Issue Position: Our Health - The Christine Murdock Plan

Issue Position

Over 13% of Durham County residents lack health care. States across the nation are rolling back women's reproductive rights. Funding for access to women's health care is under attack. Our rural communities need greater access to health care. We must continue to fight for Medicaid expansion and fund preventable health measures.

According to the United Health Foundation, North Carolina ranks 33rd overall for indicators of health and well-being. In a recent community health assessment, 70% of Durham respondents identified access to care as a top issue. 13% of Durham residents are uninsured, and uninsured residents who were surveyed identified cost as the number one barrier to coverage. Beyond this, 55% of Durham residents identified mental health as a top community priority, and rates of depression are increasing among Durham youth. Access to healthcare in North Carolina remains an issue for residents across the state. Twenty counties in North Carolina have relatively few primary care physicians, and three counties have none.

Racial inequity plays a part in access to health care and overall health in Durham County. Of uninsured Durham residents, 41% are Latin, 14% are Native American, 13% are black, 7% are Asian, and 6% are white. Beyond this, in Durham County, mortality rates for four out of five of the leading causes of death in Durham County (cancer, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease) were higher for black Durham residents than white residents. Further, from 2013-2017, black infants in Durham County died at a rate three times higher than white infants.

Natalie Murdock's family has lived in North Carolina for generations. Her father has worked as a social worker, and her mother, Christine Murdock, worked as a nurse. Coming from a family of healers, affordable health care is a priority for Natalie Murdock's NC senate platform, and she is committed to ensuring all North Carolinians have access to the care they need.

Over 13% of Durham County residents lack health care. The average household is one medical emergency away from being launched into bankruptcy. States across the nation are rolling back women's reproductive rights. Funding for access to women's health care is under attack. Our rural communities need greater access to health care. We must continue to fight for Medicaid expansion and fund preventable health measures.

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