February 28, 2003

Cover the Uninsured Week Activities Sponsored by SIU Med School

Nearly 15 percent of Americans and one quarter of Illinoisans making less than $25,000 per year are uninsured.  To help raise awareness, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals, Memorial Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital, have organized a series of events that will be held during Cover the Uninsured Week, March 10 – 16.

The public is invited to attend a Health Fair to be held 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at Enos Elementary School, 524 West Elliot St., Springfield.  A variety of free health screenings will be offered for children and adults including blood pressure, glucose, dental, hearing and mental health.  Twenty community resource organizations including the United Way of Central Illinois will be present to provide information about resources to cover their health care needs.  Staff from KidCare will sign up families for heath care coverage for their children.  There also will be activities for the family including children’s face painting, a magician, balloons, a coloring contest and refreshments.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Other events include a community luncheon and several teaching rounds at the medical school for medical audiences.  The local effort is part of a national campaign sponsored by the Robert Wood Foundation. (www.CoverTheUninsuredWeek.org)

For more information about the health fair, contact Sheryl Lloyd, External Health Affairs, 545-5770.

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