Expanding Access to Basic Healthcare

A local coalition of health care leaders, community clinics, and service-oriented organizations are working together to make basic health care accessible to low-income, uninsured individuals, families and children.

In the News Initiative Provides Care to Uninsured - Portland Business Journal, April 4, 2008 1,500 Doctors Volunteer in Project Access Now - Portland Physician, March 21, 2008

Project Access NOW has a growing regional network of primary care and specialty physicians and health care professionals to volunteer their services at no charge.

Access to health care is of primary importance in our area, where some 314,000 people are uninsured. United Way committed $75,000 to the regional effort that includes a network of major hospital systems, safety net clinics and volunteer physicians who provide primary care access for low-income families and individuals.

United Way also provided $20,000 to each county-led initiative, as well as offered technical and marketing assistance. Project Access Now's focus on collaboration, volunteerism and providing measurable outcomes aligns with United Way's mission to help people and change lives.

Low-income individuals who don’t qualify for Medicaid and other publicly funded coverage are eligible for services. The program makes it easier for clinics and hospitals to provide charity care, by pre-screening and coordinating services.

Project Access NOW seeks to decrease the number of emergency department visits, which are a costly and ineffective way for people to access health care. “Our ultimate goal is to provide better health outcomes for patients and long-term cost savings for the entire health care system,” says Linda.

“Many physicians want to use their professional talents to provide for the vulnerable in our community,” says Linda Nilsen-Solares, executive director of Project Access NOW. “Project Access Now recognizes and honors this altruism, and provides a means to actively serve. Their compassion can make a difference in the quality of life of our neighbors.”

Visit Project Access NOW online or contact Linda at 503-484-8657