lunes, 01 de agosto de 2005
Goal: Get all kids health care
Goal: Get all kids health careMonday, August 1, 2005 Dear editor,
The July 24 Napa Valley Register article "Kids Health Care Gets a Booster Shot" is the kind of headline and news that should make every Napa County resident proud. The collective vision of providing comprehensive health care insurance for all low and middle-income children in our Napa County communities is closer to becoming a reality.
Napa County will join 28 other counties across the state in launching an innovative public/private partnership dedicated to promoting the health of children. It is through the generous support and commitment of the Napa County Board of Supervisors, Napa County First 5 Commission, Queen of the Valley Hospital Health Care for the Poor, Auction Napa Valley, the St. Joseph Health System Foundation, Partnership Health Plan and other partners that this vision is possible.
Studies repeatedly show that uninsured children are less likely to have well child visits, dental care, primary care physicians or general access to care. Concerned about children lacking insurance and the impact on their health and general well-being, nearly 30 community leaders and health care professionals across Napa County have come together to create Napa County's Children's Health Initiative (CHI). Members of the Steering Committee include physicians, elected and government officials, children's advocates, non-profit organizations and school representatives, as well as representatives from Napa County Health and Human Services, Clinic Ole, Sister Ann's Community Dental Clinic, Queen of the Valley Hospital, Kaiser, St. Helena Hospital, First 5, the wine auction and the Community Foundation of the Napa Valley.The CHI has two major components: First, the provision of an affordable, comprehensive insurance product that includes medical, dental, vision, behavioral health and prescription coverage; and second, a comprehensive approach to outreach and enrollment that helps all children with a family income at or below $56,050 (for a family of four). Napa County's Children's Health Initiative is expected to launch the program by January 2006.
On behalf of CHI and our members, we want to thank the Napa Valley Register for your excellent editorial on the Children's Health Initiative and your continuing coverage and education on the important issue of our community's children and their health. Again, we would like to thank the Napa County Board of Supervisors for their support offered last week and commitment to this project.
Connie Battisti and
Geni Bennetts, CHI
Napa
