Loss of income is linked to increased vulnerability to disease, unhealthy behaviors, and adverse health outcomes associated with poverty. Unemployment leads to disparities in health insurance coverage limiting access to medical attention and medication. HNC 2030, p. 38
The 5-year average for the unemployment rate for 2013- 2017 is at 7.2% for the state of North Carolina. Current unemployment rates among racial and ethnic groups are 11.7% for African Americans, 10.3% for American Indians, and 7.1% for the Hispanic population, compared to 5.7% for the white population. Unemployment is twice as prevalent in rural areas than in metropolitan areas (disproportionately affecting African Americans), and people who have been incarcerated have reduced access to employment opportunities that provide sufficient income. Unemployment and loss of income leads to loss of health insurance for 56% of the population. The 10- year goal is to decrease the unemployment disparity ratio found between the white population and other racial and ethnic groups. Current efforts are focused on initiating meaningful change at the state and county levels. HNC 2030 pp. 38-39
Care4Carolina |
https://care4carolina.com/all-resources/ |
Green Opportunities (GO) |
https://www.greenopportunities.org/jobtraining/ |
Hinton Rural Life Center |
https://www.hintoncenter.org/ |
Just Economics of Western North Carolina (JE) |
https://www.justeconomicswnc.org/issues/living-wage/ |
NCCARE360 |
https://nccare360.org/ |
North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services (NCACDSS) |
https://www.ncacdss.org/ |
Open Integration Coalition (OIC), Inc. |
https://www.oic-inc.com/ |
Raising Wages NC |
https://raisingwagesnc.org/our-coalition |
The Broadband ReConnect Program |
https://www.usda.gov/reconnect |
American Community Survey (US Census)