Community Care Clinic of Dare and Outer Banks Restaurant Association join forces to bring health care to uninsured OBX workers

On Wednesday, Jan 29, the Community Care Clinic of Dare (CCCD) announced a partnership with the Outer Banks Restaurant Association (OBRA) that will help bring affordable health care to the uninsured and underinsured food-service workers who live or work in Dare County.
A dedicated OBRA fund will provide a $250 discount for member restaurants participating in Employers 4 Care, a program launched by CCCD that encourages local employers to chip in for the health care services their uninsured employees receive from the clinic at little or no cost to the workers themselves.
CCCD is a community-supported, volunteer-driven free and charitable clinic that provides ongoing primary care, oral health care, behavioral health services, pharmacy services and a range of other services to low-income uninsured and underinsured residents regardless of ability to pay.
“Employers 4 Care is a low-cost solution for businesses that have an interest in the health of their uninsured employees,” said Lyn Jenkins, executive director of CCCD. “OBRA’s support makes the program even more appealing for its members by allowing them to enroll at a discounted rate.”
The Outer Banks tourism economy is fueled by uninsured workers in landscaping, housekeeping, and other low-wage jobs, but research shows that of all occupations in North Carolina, food-service workers are among the most likely to be living without health insurance and unable to afford care.
“Our employees truly are our most important asset, and we want to make sure they stay happy, healthy and productive,” said OBRA president Andrea Sullivan. “Supporting Employers 4 Care ensures that they will continue to have access to the quality, affordable care Community Care Clinic of Dare provides.”
The North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NCAFCC), a statewide network of 69 member clinics including CCCD, recently announced a partnership with Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit organization, to help uninsured North Carolina food-service workers get the health care they need.
As part of Giving Kitchen’s Stability Network, NCAFCC clinics will become a new resource available to workers seeking access to affordable health care. Workers who reach out to Giving Kitchen for help will be directed to a free and charitable clinic near them. The clinics currently serve 84 of 100 N.C. counties.
“Across North Carolina, free and charitable clinics provide a safety net for their community’s most vulnerable residents,” said April Cook, the association’s CEO. “We are grateful to the Outer Banks Restaurant Association for giving Community Care Clinic of Dare the critical support it needs.”
About Community Care Clinic of Dare
Founded in 2005 as a grassroots response to the needs of the uninsured and underinsured residents in the community, Community Care Clinic of Dare (CCCD) provides quality health care, medication assistance and wellness education regardless of ability to pay to eligible persons living or working in Dare County. CCCD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on community support, including financial contributions and in-kind donations of equipment and supplies, as well as the generous contribution of time and expertise on the part of medical and non-medical volunteers, to sustain its operations. \
Employers of uninsured workers are encouraged to support the clinic through its Employers 4 Care program. CCCD’s main clinic is located at 425 Health Center Drive, Nags Head, N.C. 27959, and CCCD also offers primary care on designated days in the Frisco Health Department building at 50344 N.C. 12 in Frisco. Call (252) 261-3041, stop by to pick up an application or visit www.dareclinic.org.
About The North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
The North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics supports 69 member clinics in expanding access to health care, reducing health disparities and improving the health of uninsured and underinsured individuals. \
Member clinics are a vital part of North Carolina’s safety net, providing care for more than 75,000 patients in 84 counties, including primary and specialty medical care; dental care; pharmacy services; optometry; behavioral health care; lab tests and hospital referrals, in most cases at no cost to the patient. The association supports member clinics with education, advocacy, research, funding and collaboration, and promotes quality health care for all North Carolinians. Learn more at www.ncafcc.org.