Project Access making a difference for 15 years – and counting

Congratulations to Project Access on 15 years of connecting low-income Sedgwick County residents to a network of local physicians, hospitals and others that provide health services at no cost. Since it was created in 1999, Project Access, which is overseen by the Medical Society of Sedgwick County, has served more than 12,000 patients (65 percent employed) and received $162 million in donated care. Though the federal Affordable Care Act is helping reduce the number of uninsured, a large need remains – primarily because Gov. Sam Brownback and the Legislature refuse to allow a federal expansion of Medicaid. Project Access is facing some funding challenges, as a reduction in a federal grant caused the city of Wichita to reduce its support. Here is hoping that more supporters and providers will step forward so that this successful grassroots program can continue its important work for many more years to come. – Phillip Brownlee

This story was originally published September 4, 2014 at 7:05 PM with the headline "Project Access making a difference for 15 years – and counting."