May 03, 2006
Contact: Todd Harper
Phone: 317-630-7808
Pager: 317-310-5972
Indianapolis - Jenny's mom gets cancer. They find the tumor early. Her mom is OK. Or, Jenny's mom gets cancer. She's diagnosed too late. Before her 9th birthday, Jenny's mom is gone. When you're uninsured, life turns out differently.
On Wednesday, May 3, area health care, government and faith-based organizations invite the public to a community forum and health fair to raise awareness about the nation's nearly 46 million uninsured. The events will be held at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 418 E. 34th St.
The health and information fair will be from 2 to 8 p.m. in the church's community room. The fair will feature free health screenings, onsite health insurance enrollment, information on health cost assistance programs and Medicare Part D enrollment assistance.
A community forum will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Mitch Roob Jr., secretary of Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, will offer the keynote address on health care affordability. Matt Gutwein, president and chief executive officer of the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, will be joined by representatives from small business, human services agencies and faith-based organizations for a panel discussion about the struggles faced by those without health care coverage in the Indianapolis community.
The events are a part of the nationwide observance of Cover the Uninsured Week, May 1-7.
"More than 870,000 Hoosiers will be without health insurance this year. Although they are without coverage, they are not without care, which they receive in emergency rooms and safety net clinics," said Roob. "Unfortunately, the insured and taxpayers shoulder the burden for this care through higher insurance premiums and taxes."
Nearly 46 million Americans, including more than 8 million children, are living without health insurance. The Census Bureau indicated in Marion County, more than 113,729 Hoosiers are uninsured.
The events are free of charge. No advance registration is required. Sponsors include Anthem, Clarian Health Partners, Community Health Network, Covering Kids and Families of Central Indiana, Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Indiana Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives, Marion County Health Department, RX for Indiana, St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers, St. Vincent Health Services, Westview Medical Campus and Wishard Health Services.
For more information, call (317) 221-3178.