Health Enrollment Information & Wellness Event

The Oakland Community Health and Wellness event is one in a series of enrollment events scheduled across the state as part of The California Endowment’s efforts to educate families about the Affordable Care Act and the provisions that may benefit them.  The events focus on enrolling those who are eligible but uninsured into existing public programs. The “no wrong door” approach of connecting families to a number of important programs all under one roof helps families learn about what resources are available in their community that will help them lead healthier, more financially secure lives.

 

“We want to help people understand the opportunities available to them under the new health law and to prepare for what’s coming next as we near full implementation in 2014. Partnerships and events like today’s also helps to arm families with important resources and the assistance they need to take full advantage of them,” said Sandra Davis, Program Manager at The Endowment. “We believe that health happens in our schools, neighborhoods and with prevention, and clearly, today’s event demonstrates that all of that is helping in Alameda County.”

 

In addition to the 500 free bags of healthy food being distributed at the event by Walmart, families had access to free HIV testing, dental screenings and child developmental screenings.

 
“Connecting communities and building partnerships are key steps to helping millions of individuals who struggle daily to make ends meet.” said Dawn Phillips, Program Director at CAUSA JUSTA : JUST CAUSE, the lead partner of the event. “That is why it is critical that we all work together to help disseminate information and provide direct help to those in need.

 

“We are excited to be a part of this effort alongside so many dedicated community partners,” said Susan Mason, Director of the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation.. “Health happens when families get connected. And families are walking away with the assistance and information they need to help them get ahead.”

 

This year The Endowment’s health care enrollment events will reach roughly 90 percent of the state’s uninsured but eligible population.

Additional key partners included LifeLong Medical Care, Street Level Health Project, Alameda County Public Health Department, Bay Area Legal Aid, Communities for a Better Environment, First Five Alameda County, Oakland Community Organizations, and Oakland Unified School District.