Disability Rights North Carolina

h/t NC Department of Health and Human Services

More than 1 million North Carolina children will receive SUN Bucks benefits this summer, helping families purchase healthy food while school is out.
The first round of benefits will provide $120 per eligible child, with $121 million being distributed statewide. SUN Bucks helps bridge the summer nutrition gap when many children no longer have access to free or reduced-price school meals.
Families who believe they may qualify but have not enrolled can learn more, check eligibility and apply at https://bit.ly/418JIuj

Read the full release: https://bit.ly/4aoGG9B
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Más de un millón de niños de Carolina del Norte recibirán los beneficios de SUN Bucks este verano, lo que ayudará a las familias a comprar alimentos saludables mientras no hay clases.
La primera ronda de beneficios proporcionará $120 por niño elegible, distribuyéndose un total de $121 millones en todo el estado. SUN Bucks ayuda a cerrar la brecha nutricional del verano, momento en el que muchos niños dejan de tener acceso a las comidas escolares gratuitas o a precio reducido.
Las familias que consideren que podrían calificar, pero que aún no se han inscrito, pueden obtener más información, verificar su elegibilidad y presentar su solicitud en https://bit.ly/418JIuj
Más información: https://bit.ly/4aoGG9B

🚨The Hidden Crisis of Long COVID Underdiagnosis

An A.I. investigation of health records reveals a massive “blind spot” where more than 56% of Long COVlD (LC) cases may be missing from official records, reports. Health reporter Lauren Clason highlighted the surveillance study that focused on the heterogeneous impact of LC—exposing the harsh reality of people living with  multi-systemic chronic conditions following an infection of SARS-CoV-2, who are being denied disability support and access to care.
 
Data from the JAMA study shows that 89.31% of LC patients have at least 1 chronic condition. Clason interviewed Julie Lam, a representative for and the LC community at NIH RECOVER, who struggles with COVlD-triggered organ damage and multiple debilitating symptoms since the winter of 2021, even while being up to date with vaccination. It was not until recently that CoRE Mt. Sinai () officially diagnosed her with Long COVlD.
 
“As someone who waited 3 years for a LC diagnosis, I know how critical it is to move past ‘diagnoses of exclusion,” Lam says. She is grateful for the opportunity to share her lived experience to advocate for this marginalized community. “What I appreciate most about Lauren’s reporting is the deep dive into Prof. Hossein Estiri’s JAMA study—while centering the voices of patients, providers and caregivers. Uncovering the root causes of inequality in our healthcare system is crucial. This is the kind of journalism that moves the needle on Long COVlD care and coverage.” 
 
Read: Long COVlD Underdiagnosis Poses Broader Care, Coverage Hurdles By Lauren Clason [bit.ly/BloombergLaw_LC_Underdiagnosis]

North Carolina Governor Stein has proclaimed June as DeafBlind Awareness Month! Nationally the last full week of June is recognized as DeafBlind Awareness Week.

If you are interested in becoming a Support Service Provider contractor, please come and attend the workshop 9am - 5pm this Saturday June 6th in Raleigh. Please contact Deaf Services Specialist Susan Cataldo at [email protected] for more information.

Link to proclamation: https://governor.nc.gov/governor-stein-proclaims-deafblind-awareness-month-0

North Carolina DeafBlind Associates

Free Mammogram Screenings!

Scan the QR code or call (919) 781-1437 to schedule your appointment with Raleigh Radiology.

This offer is open to uninsured and underinsured patients in the Raleigh area.

5 free scans available every month-limited follow up care available.

Looking for summer camp?

"Camp Carefree provides a free one-week summer session to children ages 6-16 who may not qualify for other summer camps. Our campers are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Attendance in the past is not a guarantee of acceptance. These applications are reviewed upon receipt of this form AND THE REQUIRED MEDICAL FORMS.

We must stress that our camp is limited to campers who are excluded from other overnight summer camps due to their medical needs that require medical personnel during their attendance.

You will be notified once our program directors and medical team has determined your child’s eligibility. Camp sessions fill up quickly so please return your applications as soon as possible. Make sure to have the medical form completed by your child’s health care provider."

Upcoming sessions:
[WAITLIST IN EFFECT-MAY OVERFLOW TO JULY 12 - 17] June 21 - 26: SIBLINGS - Well children with a chronically ill sibling
June 28 - July 3: NEURO - epilepsy & neurological disorders
July 5 - 10: CANCER, DOWN SYNDROME - Leukemia & other cancers, Down Syndrome
July 12 - 17: KIDS - Well children with a chronically ill parent
July 19- 24: SPINA BIFIDA - Spinal cord disorders & injuries
July 26 - 31: HEMOPHILIA/TURNER'S - blood disorders, von Willebrand disease & Turner syndrome

learn more and apply today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfngkyz2r1gRLquldJaIVbWIsGHppFh2rDgchWmR2U7tkJ0pA/viewform