Mayor Wise Signs Children’s Health Care Coverage Day Proclamation

8/14/08
By: Trish Brannon

On Monday the City of Marianna Mayor James Wise signed a proclamation declaring Friday, August 8th to be "Children’s Health Care Coverage Day" in Marianna. The proclamation recognizes the importance of well-child visits and proper medical care for the children of Marianna and its surrounding communities.
The Mayor and the City Commission are supportive of the efforts of the Panhandle Area Health Network (PAHN) who is launching its annual Back-to-School Campaign in Marianna to encourage parents with uninsured children to put enrolling them in Florida KidCare at the top of their back-to-school checklist.
"Kids who have health care coverage are better prepared to learn in school," said Annie Hollister, Interim Executive Director. "That’s why enrolling uninsured children in Florida KidCare should be a top priority for parents as they prepare to send their kids back to school. The coverage offered through Florida KidCare means health security for kids and peace of mind for parents."
There are nearly 715,000 uninsured children in Florida, and most of them are eligible for low-cost or free health care coverage offered through Florida KidCare. Many families are not aware that their children may qualify for coverage. In Florida, a family of four can earn up to $41,300 a year and still qualify for low-cost or free Florida KidCare.
In keeping with the Mayor’s proclamation, the Panhandle Area Health Network and its partners stepped up their efforts to increase the number of children enrolled in Florida KidCare beginning August 8th. Kicking off the back-to-school campaign will be a news conference and enrollment fair. The event was held at the Hudnall Building on the campus of Jackson Hospital.
The news conference began with a feature guest speaker State Representative Don Brown. Also speaking will be William Long, MSM, Administrator of Jackson County Health Department; Dr. Joseph Sherrel, pediatrician and owner of North Florida Pediatrics in Marianna and Sneads; Anna Brunner, RN; and Annie Hollister, Executive Director of PAHN. Immediately following the news conference there will be an enrollment fair where families may come and apply for Florida KidCare. The news conference begins at 10:00 a.m. and the enrollment fair runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Children enrolled in Florida KidCare will receive comprehensive benefits, including routine checkups, hearing and vision screenings, prescriptions and hospitalization.
"The comprehensive coverage offered through Florida KidCare helps keep Florida’s kids healthy," said Mrs. Hollister. "We encourage parents to find out if their kids are eligible."
To find out more information about Florida KidCare and the enrollment fair please call the Panhandle Area Health Network at (850) 482-9088 or toll-free at 877-892-9593.