DEAR ABBY: Your readers often express concerns about America's health-care system. However, one problem doesn't get enough attention: More than 41 million Americans are without health insurance. This includes more than 8 million children. In March, hundreds of national organizations will work together to spotlight this problem.
The uninsured pay a high price for not having health coverage. They often live with prolonged illness and skip lifesaving medical screenings. Their children do not get adequate medical care.
Please urge your readers to join me during "Cover the Uninsured Week," March 10-16, 2003. During this time, a series of national and local activities to increase discussion of the issue will be featured.
To learn more about this, to find resources to help the uninsured and discover simple ways to get involved, visit: www.CoverTheUninsured.org.
Abby, thank you for informing your readers about this unprecedented awareness campaign. -- RISA LAVIZZO-MOUREY, M.D., PRESIDENT, THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION
DEAR DR. LAVIZZO-MOUREY: You're welcome. I am pleased to promote your awareness campaign in the hope that concerned readers will get involved. It's a disgrace that in a country as wealthy and powerful as ours, millions of people are without access to medical care.