Association of Brethren Caregivers urges participation in efforts to cover the uninsured.

The Association of Brethren Caregivers is encouraging congregations to participate in Cover the Uninsured Week May 10-16, to raise awareness of the 43.6 million Americans without health insurance. As the agency representing the health ministries of the church, ABC is embracing this national program started in 2003 through funding by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

This year the program features a "National Call to Care," in which health professionals donate a portion of their time during the week to care for those who are uninsured. Other events for Cover the Uninsured Week are being planned in several metropolitan areas. To find out about events and local coordinators, visit www.CoverTheUninsured-Week.org. The website allows individuals to sign up for e-mail updates and promotional materials.

Although Medicaid insures 14 million people in poverty, 10.5 million other people in poverty have no health insurance. In addition, 8.5 million or 11.6 percent of children under 18 are without health insurance.

Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top