posted 4/29/04
Bon Secours to Participate in National “Cover the
Uninsured Week”

“Lord, Keep Us Well.” This prayer has real meaning to the nearly 44 million individuals in the United States who lack health insurance. Who are they? Maybe not who you think. Eight out of 10 individuals are from working families and over 8 million are children.

The consequences of being uninsured are grave. The uninsured are hospitalized 50 percent more often than the insured for “avoidable conditions” such as pneumonia. The vast majority of the uninsured simply go without needed care until an illness can no longer be ignored. Sometimes that delay can be deadly. Frequently, the consequences to a family’s financial health can be equally devastating.

In keeping with our Mission of compassion, healing and liberation, Bon Secours Health System has joined a coalition of other concerned organizations to raise awareness and craft solutions to this crisis. In support of this initiative, during the week of May 10 through 16, all Local Systems and the Health System Office will participate in the national “Cover the Uninsured Week,” sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. During this week across the Health System, a variety of activities will be conducted to help educate our communities and government officials about this critical issue – to share the faces of the uninsured, to educate people about the physical and financial consequences of being uninsured, and to explain how this issue affects every American.

Look for more information on how you can support this initiative as the week approaches!