Health Alliance will try to expand care for uninsured

By: Julie n. Chang | Morganton News Herald
Published: January 25, 2010

Morganton, NC --

Burke Health Alliance for the Uninsured is one of four organizations that will free consulting service from Care Share Health Alliance, a resource for facilitating the development and expansion of community collaborations of care for low-income, uninsured North Carolinians.
The value of Care Share Health Alliance's service is estimated at $25,000.
"Receiving Care Share Health Alliance's resources and support is of tremendous value to us," Sally Learned, co-chair of Burke Health Alliance for the Uninsured, said. "This support will allow us to enhance our work providing access to health care for the approximately 25 percent of the county who are uninsured and continue improving the health of our community."
The collaborative involves approximately 30 representatives of local health-care facilities. Learned said the organization hopes to assist with physical, dental and mental health.
Learned said the alliance formed in July when members of the local medical services community calculated the number of uninsured patients visiting free clinics and those going to the emergency room for basic primary care.
"Either people weren't getting medical treatment or it was often at the most expensive place," Learned said. "We realized we're up against not just finding more money, but that we needed to look at a major overhaul of the healthcare system in Burke County."
Care Share Health Alliance will offer on-site, comprehensive guidance for the next three years, Learned said. During the first year, Burke Health Alliance for the Uninsured will undergo an intense reorganization focused on the needs of the clients, Learned said. Both organizations will address the limitations and expectations of Burke Health Alliance and efficient processes for completing those goals.
Learned said an example of what Burke Health Alliance for the Uninsured would work toward is establishing a BlueRidge Healthcare-run Medicaid clinic at the Good Samaritan Clinic's facility.
"Communities can create very positive changes," Learned said, "and that's what we're trying to do with this project in Burke County — as a community, to look and see how we can meet the needs of those who are most vulnerable and do it ourselves."
Learned said the collaborative continues to seek representatives from the dental and mental health fields. Interested persons should contact her at 433-0681.

Health Alliance will try to expand care for uninsured

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