Healthy Communities

As senator, Joe Sam Queen has led in:
• Securing over $100 million to establish the NC Center on Health and Aging
• Providing funding to make North Carolina a national leader in cancer research
• Expanding by 40% the number of children eligible for health coverage
• Supporting the successful efforts to save Haywood Regional Medical Center

Despite wonderful achievements in healthcare, there’s much work to be done.Few things have a greater impact on Real Family Security than access to health care. It impacts our ability to care for our loved ones as they age and the ability to ensure a healthy and promising future for our children.I believe quality health care should be affordable and accessible for each of our citizens. I will back our own state employee health care coverage and hold it up as a model for others.

I support investments in programs that promote healthy lifestyles, from infancy to old age, including investments in community recreation facilities for citizens of all ages. It is my belief that investing in preventative healthcare is our wisest long-term strategy. This includes advancing our region as the leader for North Carolina in Wellness and Aging Research.

With the broad experience of serving as architect and Community Campaign Chairman for the Haywood Regional Medical Center’s Health and Fitness Center, being married to a dedicated physician, Dr. Kate Queen, and as a Hospital Foundation board member, I am deeply committed to health, health care, and the healthcare economy – all critical aspects for a brighter future here in the mountains.