First Class Treatment for Those with Access

Our area is known its fine medical universities and hospitals, nationally recognized physicians, and the presence of multiple pharmaceutical and health research companies. Yet, many North Carolinians lack access to such fine services.

The statistics are startling. Again the odds, some manage to secure the basic services they need to live, work, and raise families. With the help of champions like those being supported this year by the Weekend of Grace, health ad hope can be made available. Together, we can ensure that the success of the Race of Grace Weekend puts lifesaving healthcare within reach for more of those without insurance, with too little insurance, or for whom rising medical costs require a bitter choice between care and basic needs such as food, shelter, or heat.

Facts and North Carolina’s Uninsured and Underinsured

• Almost 34.5% of people under age 65 went without health insurance for all, or part, of 2007-2008
• From 2007 to 2009, the number of uninsured North Carolinians increased by approximately 22%; over 21% of our non-elderly are now uninsured.
• We rank in among the top 15 states in our number of uninsured residents.
• In 2006, estimated 3 working-aged adults died, each day, simply because they did not have health insurance.
• Uninsured adults are 25% more likely to die prematurely due to lack of health insurance.
• NC ranks in the bottom 10 states for having the highest percentage of uninsured children, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
• Medicaid is unavailable for low-income adults unless they are judged to be totally disabled by rigorous government standards.

This year, funds raised through the Weekend of Grace will support three champions of the needs of the underinsured and uninsured in our area. Please click here to learn more about the fine work that’s being done right here in our own backyards.