Representatives of the County Commission, Children&8217;s Policy Council, Alabama Department of Public Health, Shelby Baptist Medical Center, United Way of Central Alabama as well as educators, volunteers and churches

are working to bring health care to the uninsured.

It is projected there are 7,000-14,000 Shelby County adults who are

uninsured and unable to access basic care and medications.

In the 2006 United Way Needs Assessment, lack of health care insurance ranked high as a challenge to local residents. National studies report many working families cannot afford health insurance, even if offered by employers.

Tim Wolfe, Director of Grants for Baptist Health System, said it is time for our community to help the uninsured and underinsured of our county. The goal of the Community of Hope Health Clinic is &8220;to serve with compassion&8221; and create a &8220;culture of caring.&8221;

The health clinic plans to offer free primary care services to medically uninsured adults between the ages of 19 and 64 beginning in the fall of 2008. The planning group is looking for a clinic location, recruiting volunteers, and raising funds to support clinic services.

For more info contact Courtney Newton at 458-2058.

Shirley Worthington is the vice president of Community Initiatives for the United Way of Central Alabama.