United Way of North Carolina is pleased to announce their partnership with United Way of Alamance County and Lumber River United Way to launch a pilot project designed to increase the number of eligible households participating in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage or private insurance. This project will be funded through a $400,000 grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Thousands of residents in Alamance, Robeson, Bladen, and Hoke Counties are uninsured. These same residents are often impacted by higher rates of poverty, food insecurity, and other social determinants of health. Alamance County reports 14.6% of their population is living in poverty and over 30% in Robeson County. Grant focus includes raising awareness of public benefits and wrap around services, offering personal assistance to clients in exploring healthcare insurance and enrollment. Underserved communities will receive service priority through the leadership of a Public Benefits Navigator.
“United Way of North Carolina is honored to offer support and leadership for this project,” says Laura Marx, President & CEO of United Way of North Carolina. “United Way of Alamance County and Lumber River United Way are strong leaders in their communities, and we know they will do an incredible job of actualizing our shared goal of improving the lives of North Carolinians.”
United Way organizations will work closely with the business community to connect with employees and partner with community-based organizations to build opportunities for client engagement and strengthen wrap-around resources offered to clients. In addition to direct service, the project will include a research component, which will enhance understanding around access barriers and lead to informed strategies for how to mitigate disparities.
“We want to thank the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust for giving us the opportunity to launch this project,” says Marx. “We are grateful for their support and excited to continue strengthening our collaborative relationship.”
The project is expected to launch in summer 2022 and will be funded by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust through 2024. United Way of North Carolina will serve as the administrator and fiscal agent of the project, offering support through communications, research, advocacy efforts, and more.
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The Kate B. Reynolds Trust was established in 1947 and is now one of the largest private trusts in North Carolina. Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life for residents in Forsyth County and around North Carolina. The Health Improvement in North Carolina program area supports equitable access to care and equitable health outcomes across the state. The Local Impact in Forsyth County program area works to foster an inclusive economy and improve the quality of life in Forsyth County. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. serves as sole trustee.