Barbara Burlingame

Part 2: Barbara Burlingame Addresses Fellow Okies-and Outbreak Victims throughout the US

“I learned to live one day at a time, Barbara Burlingame writes in this poignant summary of her experience as an outbreak victim. She comments on the ongoing situation in Tulsa, and she encourages fellow patients to “please ask for help”.

Barbara Burlingame and her faithful dog Clara
Barbara Burlingame and her faithful dog Clara

The recent incident in Tulsa, in which as many as 7,000 dental patients may have been infected with bloodborne pathogens while receiving treatment from Dr. Scott Harrington, has brought a lot of thoughts and feelings back in to my life. Honestly some of these feelings have been buried deeply and it is a little painful to have them bubbling back to the surface, but it is also very therapeutic. I think daily of the people in Tulsa and the way that they have been blindsided by all of this information and these emotions. It is tough. Read more

“I wish I could wrap all of Tulsa up in one big bear hug”

Barbara Burlingame is a survivor of the 2000 Oklahoma outbreak, in which nearly 100 patients were infected with viral hepatitis through reuse of syringes at a pain clinic. Here is her story, in her own words.

Barbara Burlingame and her faithful dog Clara
Barbara Burlingame and her faithful dog Clara

I never thought this could happen to me. I never thought I—or anyone I know—would be infected with hepatitis C while
receiving healthcare.

Starting in March 2002, I was tired all the time. I felt lousy. I would come home from work for lunch and take a nap. I had to set an alarm, or I would fall asleep and sleep through the afternoon.
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