Healthcare Georgia Foundation Announces the Results of its 2003 Access to Coverage and Prevention Survey

The 2003 Access to Coverage and Prevention Survey is the subject of the Foundations Fall 2003 HealthVoices. HealthVoices is published periodically by Healthcare Georgia Foundation as an educational service to Georgians interested in health policy. A full copy of HealthVoices, Georgians Speak Out on Health Care Coverage and Prevention is available online from the Foundations web site at: www.healthcaregeorgia.org/policybrief.pdf. For specific information on the survey questionnaire, methodology, data and analysis, please visit the University of Georgias Survey Research Center online at: http://src.ibr.uga.edu/healthcare.htm .

ATLANTA, GA, (PRWEB) November 26, 2003 -- Healthcare Georgia Foundation today announced the release of its 2003 Access to Coverage and Prevention Survey. With over one million residents without health care insurance, Georgia is facing one of its biggest challenges -- finding a way to increase the availability of affordable, quality health care and access to preventive services.

In its role as a catalyst for better health and health care, Healthcare Georgia Foundation conducted a statewide poll of 1,200 Georgians to learn their views on their health care insurance and preventive services along with their willingness to pay for better community health services.

Georgians who responded to the survey delivered three key messages:

Georgians Want Equal Access to Quality Health Care. More than 84% of Georgians believe that everyone should have access to the same amount and same quality of health care. Georgians believe that employers should be required to provide health care insurance and that the government should be responsible for making sure that everyone is covered.

Georgians Support Funding for Preventive Health Services. Fifty three percent of Georgians believe that there should be a greater investment in prevention and are willing to increase taxes on tobacco and alcohol products to support the expansion of community health programs.

Georgians Who Live in Healthier Communities Report a Better Quality of Life.Living in a community that is safe, provides good jobs, promotes health and is a good place to raise a family makes a difference in the health and quality of life for Georgians.

The findings of this survey clearly mean that business as usual is no longer an option," according to Dr. Gary D. Nelson, president of Healthcare Georgia Foundation. Policymakers, business leaders, the philanthropic
community and health professionals all have an obligation to come together to expand access to health care
as well as increasing Georgias investment in prevention and building communities that enhance good health."

The 2003 Access to Coverage and Prevention Survey is the subject of the Foundations Fall 2003 HealthVoices. HealthVoices is published periodically by Healthcare Georgia Foundation as an educational service to Georgians interested in health policy. A full copy of HealthVoices, Georgians Speak Out on Health Care Coverage and Prevention is available online from the Foundations web site at: www.healthcaregeorgia.org/policybrief.pdf .
For specific information on the survey questionnaire, methodology, data and analysis, please visit the University of Georgias Survey Research Center online at: http://src.ibr.uga.edu/healthcare.htm.

About Healthcare Georgia Foundation
Healthcare Georgia Foundation is a statewide, private independent foundation located in Atlanta, Georgia. The Foundations mission is to advance the health of all Georgians and to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare for underserved individuals and communities. Through its strategic grantmaking, Healthcare Georgia Foundation supports organizations that drive positive change, promotes programs that improve health and health care among underserved individuals and communities, and connects people, partners and resources across Georgia. For more information, please visit the Foundation online at: www.healthcaregeorgia.org .

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