Connecting People with Health Care

Linda Wells, ADS Planner

Two events this month relate to the goal of providing health care for every older adult.

Leave No Person Behind

What: "Leave No Person Behind: Mend the Medicaid    Safety Net"
When: September 29, 2004, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: The Olympic Room, Seattle Center

Keynote Speaker: Phil Talmadge, former Washington State Supreme Court Judge and legislator

Point/Counterpoint Discussion:
Cathy Allen and Randy Pepples, Political Strategists

A Legislative Panel that includes Senator Pat Thibaudeau, Senator Karen Keiser, Representative Fred Jarret, Representative Dawn Morell, Representative Ed Murray, and one more to be announced. 

Moderator: Ken Schram.

The forum this year focuses on Medicaid clients and programs, and the need to preserve the current funding levels. The morning will begin with a keynote address, followed by a panel of Medicaid clients telling their stories. After a brief break, a lively "point-counterpoint" discussion will be held about the status of legislative issues in our state. Then, the group will have a boxed lunch and hear a distinguished panel of legislators discuss Medicaid-related topics. Finally, the day will end with a summary of what was heard and a call for action directed to the audience.

For more information, contact (206) 684-0699. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to that number by September 17, 2004.

Take A Loved One to The Doctor Day is part of a national campaign by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) called Closing the Health Gap, which seeks to address the health gap between racial and ethnic minorities and the general population by encouraging preventive screenings and care.

Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day encourages individuals to see a health care professional on September 21, make an appointment for the near future, or participate in a local health fair or screening event. Focusing efforts on a single day can help generate a greater understanding of the importance of regular health screenings, while at the same time focusing on those populations that tend to have the least access to health care.

Last year, over 500 local health centers and clinics, health departments, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and faith-based organizations participated in this event, designed to ensure that those most in need of health care would have access to a health professional on Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day.

How can I participate in Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day?

• Identify someone you know who hasn't been to the doctor lately and make an appointment for them. Then take them.
  
  
• If you yourself haven't been to the doctor in a while, make an appointment for yourself. If you need assistance finding a health provider, look on the Closing the Gap site or call 1-800-444-6472 and ask to speak to an information specialist.
  
  
• If you or another person do have insurance and don't use it, there is no better time than now.
  
  
• If you know someone who doesn't have a doctor, or doesn't have health insurance, contact your local community health center or King County Public Health (206-296-4600) to ask about free or low-cost care. Click here for a national searchable directory from the Bureau of Primary Health Care.