Since living with COVID-19, we are becoming increasingly more aware of the inequities that surround healthcare. Women to Women member Lisa Duck is the Executive Director of the Guilford Community Care Network (GCCN) whose mission is to ensure all persons have access to quality and affordable health care regardless of their ability to pay.The GCCN, works to provide comprehensive, quality healthcare through a network of volunteer physicians, pharmacies and other healthcare agencies offering services to low-income, uninsured residents of Guilford County.
Eligible applicants receive an “Orange Card”. The “Orange Card” guarantees healthcare access for services within Guilford County. The card gives patients access to everything that the Guilford Community Care Network has to offer no matter their ability to pay.
Lisa explains, “all too often there are barriers for the uninsured and those living in poverty. During this pandemic, the inequities in care are accentuated. By offering up our skills and resources to form a landscape of care for our community we are allowing people to get the care they need”.
How can you help improve overall health and well-being in Guilford County? Lisa suggests the following 3 ideas as a place to start:
1. Be an advocate for policy change that would allow for access equity.
2. Donate and volunteer in non-medical drivers of health such as nutrition and food distribution.
3. Establish open lines of communication to help human connections that will permeate through our entire community.
Author: Carrie Little