10 Questions with Mary Bland
The medical receptionist at Urgent Care in Hyannis says she hopes her long road to sobriety will help inspire others to stay sober and improve their lives.
Mary Bland’s path to Cape Cod Healthcare could be described as more zigzagging than linear. She started her career waitressing at local restaurants and stuck with it for more than 20 years.
“Waitressing did pay off because it taught me how to deal with people,” says Mary. “Working in the office at Urgent Care is kind of like working in a restaurant, but with no tips [she laughs]. You’re taking care of people, dealing with all different age groups. They might raise their voice to you or even be a little mean. But you learn to be patient and provide a voice of reason.”
As a medical receptionist at Urgent Care in Hyannis, the Yarmouth resident multitasks every day. From answering phones to registering patients and verifying insurance cards, Mary says there is never a dull moment in her 32-hour workweek. But it’s her coworkers who lift her mood and brighten her day.
“We have a really good crew at Hyannis Urgent Care,” says Mary, who has worked there for seven years after earning her medical office certificate at Cape Cod Community College. “You never know what the day will bring, but my coworkers jell very well together, and we are a goofy lot. It can be a blast.”
Mary admits her life wasn’t always this positive and stable. She started experimenting with drugs and alcohol at age 25, spent years in and out of rehab and a short time in a homeless shelter. But at age 42, Mary turned her life around when she met a woman who provided the support and tools needed for a path to recovery. “It was a long road. But I think everything happens for a reason,” says Mary. “I try to inspire others. We get a lot of people who come into Urgent Care who are struggling, and I try to offer a little bit of hope and encouragement.”
The youngest of seven children who was born and raised on the Cape, credits her faith, family and friends for a substance-free life. She is taking classes at Cape Cod Community College with the goal of someday becoming a mentor and recovery coach. “I got sober so I could show up for life,” says Mary, adding she will be celebrating her 11th year of sobriety on Aug. 19. “I think it’s important for people to know there is help and hope out there. You just have to want it.”
On a recent summer day, we visited with Mary at her Yarmouth residence to talk about her life goals, the best advice she has ever received and what a perfect day looks like. We then went for a walk around her quiet neighborhood with her beloved Shih Tzu, Mr. Bowie, before we parted ways.
1. What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My sobriety. My higher power. He’s getting me up.
2. What is your mantra?
I am a spiritual being having human experiences.
3. What is the best advice received from a family member or a friend?
A very dear friend, who is also my sponsor, said God has been preparing you for this moment your whole life (when I got custody of my eight-year-old nephew and I was scared).
4. If you could have another career, what would it be?
To help others who are struggling with substance abuse and mental health.
5. What would you like to accomplish before the end of the year?
To finish school as I work toward my recovery coach certificate, and at some point in the near future, get my associate’s degree.
6. What would a perfect day look like for you?
Resting and hanging with my dog, Mr. Bowie. That’s my boy right there. We try to go out when I come home. When I’m off, we usually go out three times. I walk him around the neighborhood.
7. When was your last moment of self-care?
I recently went on a vacation to Vegas; we have family out there. We had the kids, my nephew (now 13) and my niece, who is 15. We went to the Circus Circus Hotel and explored the Observation Wheel. I even went on a couple of roller coasters!
8. What song is stuck in your head at the moment?
“Old Days,” by Chicago. It talks about what it was like in the ’70s and how simple life was back then.
9.Where do you like to go on the Cape?
I love taking a trip down 6A. It’s so relaxing.
10. What on the horizon are you most excited about?
I am working toward owning my own home—something to call my own on the Cape. I’ve always had sand in my shoes. I’ve moved around and I’ve done a lot. I’m ready to settle down.
