HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAM SEEKS CLATSOP COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Partners and stakeholders are invited to help the effort to make health coverage available to all Clatsop County children.

Earlier this year, Clatsop County and Oregon’s Healthy Kids program formed a partnership to support Healthy Kids, Oregon’s no-cost and low-cost health coverage program for kids and teens 0-18 years of age. Part of the Oregon Health Authority’s first initiatives, Healthy Kids helped bring health coverage to more than 100,000 children statewide, cutting the rate of uninsured kids in Oregon by half – from 11.3 percent in 2009 to 5.6 percent today.

“In Clatsop County, we know there are still gaps in coverage for our children,” said Judi Mahoney, Healthy Kids Outreach and Enrollment Worker for Clatsop County. “By bringing together representatives from all sectors of our community, we can reach out and begin closing those gaps.”

The creation of the Clatsop County Healthy Kids Coalition addresses the need to increase access to health coverage for kids and teens in the county. The coalition held their first meeting on Nov. 2 with 24 representatives of various county agencies, advocacy organizations and business groups.

Among the first attendees were Danielle Sobel from the Office of Healthy Kids, community leaders representing local hospitals, Clatsop County, the American Legion, many county school districts, Head Start among other children’s centers, Healthy Start, the Department of Human Services, the local Housing Authority, Suzanne Elise Assisted Living Community and OSU Extension’s Family and Community Health program.

The coalition will meet every six to eight weeks to collaborate on outreach opportunities, and brainstorm new ideas to bring coverage to kids.

Right now, the coalition is seeking community partners and stakeholders to assist in outreach efforts and promote Healthy Kids among their clients and networks.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the DHS building in Astoria; 450 Marine Drive, 2nd floor conference room. For more information on the coalition or joining the coalition, please contact Judi Mahoney at (503) 358-2333. Families seeking assistance enrolling their children in Healthy Kids are encouraged to contact Judi.

Families can also apply for Healthy Kids coverage by calling 1-877-314-5678 or by visiting www.OregonHealthyKids.gov.