Proposed Durham, N.C. program to help uninsured

More than 45,000 uninsured residents in Durham County, N.C. may soon receive help from the collaboration of several community groups. Today's Durham Herald-Sun details creation of a partnership-driven program designed to curb the growing problem of citizens without simple health coverage. From 2005 to 2006, Durham's percentage of uninsured citizens grew from 16.8 percent to 26 percent.

Employment is the most common path to insurance, more than 60 percent of families without coverage have paying jobs but no coverage. The problem is steadily climbing the income ladder.

The program seeks to build success in "energetic communities" such as Durham before tackling nationwide healthcare issues. Similar programs have had success in Muskegon, M.I. and Tampa, F.L. Several community groups in Durham have committed resources to develop a successful program.
Nationwide, about 46.6 million Americans are without health coverage.