KINSTON, N.C.- Washington's political fight over health care reform might be over, but the results of the new law are still months and years away from taking effect. Millions of people across the country don't have adequate access to health care, thousands in eastern Carolina. Health professionals here reached out to them as part of National Health Center Week.
It was a day of celebrating cultural heritage and health awareness.
Anna Kinsey works at the Kinston Community Health Center, bringing resources to those in need.
"Instead of coming in and having to pay maybe $250 for a visit, they can come in and pay $50 dollars depending on their income,” said Anna Kinsey, Kinston Community Outreach Director.
60% of Kinston's population is uninsured. The health center tries to meet the need by offering dental, pediatric, adult medicine, obstetrics and community outreach programs.
"We always need more doctors. But we have doctors to see our patients and provide adequate care for our patients,” said Kinsey.
Health centers in medically underserved communities across the country received $2 billion in funding last year from the Recovery Act.
The Kinston center is providing treatment by using the federal grant money and a sliding scale fee program.
Congressman Walter B. Jones took a tour of the clinic to see it in action.
"Let's start empowering the community health centers because they are here with the people,” said Jones, R., North Carolina.
He says it's a good investment of your tax dollars.
"When you, the taxpayer, know this community health center is going to help someone with a better quality of life which is going to reduce the cost down the road, then this is a win-win,” said Jones.
He says bi-partisan support in Washington could bring more health centers like this one across eastern Carolina. The Kinston Community Health Center is working with the Brody School of Medicine at ECU to try to convince more students to pursue careers in community health.
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