ANNUAL BMH CLAMBAKE & AUCTION AND FUND A NEED

Summer is coming and with it the much loved annual BMH Clambake & Auction. When this hospital event started twenty four years ago the goal was to raise charitable dollars to support the BMH in providing healthcare to our community. And it has garnered great support and provided many, many dollars; dollars that have helped purchase equipment, provide for expansion of services and facilities, and recruit and retain quality staff.

This year with the challenges of the economy, the increasing number of uninsured or underinsured individuals and the need for BMH to provide increasing amounts of free care the Annual Clambake & Auction is introducing a new twist.

Did you know

• In 2007, BMH provided just under $4 million in uncompensated care
• 53.9% of Windham County families are at or below the U.S. median family income level
• 10% of Vermonters are without insurance
• 53% of underinsured and 68% of uninsured go without needed health care
• Many underinsured are families whose annual income is 200% above the federal poverty level
• 45% of underinsured and 51% of uninsured have difficulty paying bills, and often go without necessities to pay medical bills
• 80% of all bankruptcy is directly related to major health issues and the cost associated with care

And with the current economy these alarming statistics are increasing.