Monday, November 01, 2010

Regional health care experts will join in an interactive panel discussion focusing on the progress of the new healthcare reform legislation and its impact on the local community. Representatives from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, New Hanover County Regional Medical Center, Wellcare Home Health Care and others will provide insight into this complex issue from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8 in the UNC Wilmington Warwick Center.

Registration is not required for this free event which is open to the public. For more information, call 202.658.7640.

The panel will tackle the most pressing healthcare reform concerns of the Cape Fear community, including the potential impact of the various healthcare reform provisions on the general public, when the provisions will become effective, how such provisions will affect access to healthcare, the potential challenges associated with accommodating the increased number of healthcare users and whether or not prevention programs will be covered.

Audience members are encouraged to bring their cell phones to text in questions during the discussion.

Rob Kaiser, publisher of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, will moderate panel discussions. Panelists will include UNCW nursing assistant professor Kathleen Ennen, Wilmington Health Associates board president Jonathan Hines, WellCare Home Health chief operating officer Wanda Coley, and director of government relations for community outreach and grants for New Hanover County Regional Medical Center Scott Whisnant.

The Cape Fear Health Policy Council, UNC Wilmington, the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, the United Way and Star News Media are sponsoring the event.

Media are invited to promote and cover this event. Interviews with related experts are available.

Media Contact (do not publish for general population):
Joy Davis, Marketing and Communications, 910.632.3903 or davisjc@uncw.edu