Often, disenfranchised populations within society are relegated a statistic. They are marginalized by way of costs expended on their behalf and needs that remain unfulfilled. They are often seldom seen as individuals with personalities and deserving respect. Likewise, those who enjoy privileges like health insurance fail to realize that the disenfranchised may be a family member or neighbor.
The “uninsured” and “underinsured” comprise a growing, diverse group of people for which the only commonality is the need for health coverage and the often devastating impact of health care costs – even “co-pays” – on their family lifestyle. The uninsured may be extremely impoverished or a professional trying to build an entrepreneurial business. They are often classified as “working poor,” unable to qualify for Medicaid or Medicare and don’t make enough to cover their family expenses.
“Faces of the Uninsured” symbolizes the diversity of individuals through photographic portraiture and narrative. It serves as the Health Authority’s unique contribution to the overall effort to communicate the access to health care issue.
Subjects for “Faces of the Uninsured” come from all walks of life: ethnic and racial background, young and older adults, all geographic areas in Wayne County. They are nominated by Federally Qualified Health Centers and others affiliated with the Health Authority. The photographic portraits were created by Detroit News photographer Donna Terek.