FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Support of Children’s Health Initiative of Greater Los Angeles

Marlene Canter, Jose Huizar
Adopted July 28, 2004
 

Whereas, an estimated 350,000 children ages 18 and younger in Los Angeles County do not have health insurance even though almost 75% of these kids are eligible for, but not enrolled in, existing public health programs; and

Whereas, children without health insurance are less healthy than their insured counterparts and are 500 percent more likely to depend on emergency rooms as a source of regular care and 200 percent less likely to get needed prescription medicines or eye-glasses; and

Whereas, The Children's Health Initiative of Greater Los Angeles (CHI) is a coalition of more than 40 major organizations (including LAUSD, health care providers and associations, private employers, foundations, public health officials, business leaders and educators) that have come together to address the shortfall in health coverage for youth and students throughout Los Angeles County; and

Whereas, the CHI Coalition has committed to raising $112 million over a three-year period, of which more than $80 million is already secured as of June 2004 and the CHI has begun enrolling children into the Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, and Healthy Kids programs, for health care services including physical, vision, dental and mental health services and sports and camp physicals; and

Whereas, the CHI has an immediate goal of providing health care coverage for the next three years to more than 100,000 students who are currently uninsured and a long-term goal of providing meaningful health care options for all children and youth through age 18 residing in the County whose families are at or below 300% of the federal poverty level (which equates to an annual salary of $55,200 for a family of four); and

Whereas, the District’s Children's Health Access and Medi-Cal Program (CHAMP) unit will assist families with information, outreach, and enrollment for health insurance programs via their toll-free HELPLINE at 1-866-742-2273; therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles supports the Children’s Health Initiative of Greater Los Angeles and the effort to ensure that no child is without medical care; and

Resolved, that the Board of Education directs the Superintendent to publicize the Children’s Health Initiative through all District outlets including parent and employee newsletters and the District Website; and be it finally

Resolved, that the Board of Education requests the assistance of bargaining units in publicizing and encouraging their members to support the efforts of the The Children's Health Initiative of Greater Los Angeles.