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HELENA, Mont. (AP) The Lewis and Clark City-County Health Board is launching an effort to try to provide health care to all uninsured people in the Helena area.

The board approved a resolution last week that says health care is a "basic human right" and that all citizens have "a right to access to a universal health care system." The board plans to appoint a task force to assess health care needs in the county and try to design a plan to provide health care for thousands of people without insurance.

The effort grew out of a health board retreat last year, when members learned that 21 percent of county residents are without health insurance.

Board member Alan Peura says the board has talked about a local single-payer system and expanding the community health clinic.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-12-08 1351CST | save this article / add to your favorites list