Cover All Kids by 2010!

On February 10th, legislators, medical professionals, social activists, clergy, and dozens of dedicated individuals gathered at the new Children's Hospital in Aurora to support the Cover All (Colorado) Kids by 2010 Initiative.

A recent healthcare survey sponsored by Denver's Metropolitan Organization for People revealed that 39 percent of the children in (MOP's) congregations and schools do not have healthcare insurance and are not receiving basic childhood immunizations, dental care, eyeglasses or treatment for injuries. According to Dr. Stephen Berman, former President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and one of the speakers at the rally, that figure may include as many as 150,000 of Colorado's children. While there are programs in place right now to cover some of these basic needs for children living below "poverty level" (i.e. Children's Healthcare Programs), many whose parents work but cannot afford private healthcare fall through the cracks.

The rally's organizers were wise to include among the many professional and legislative figures, two caregivers who told their stories and put live faces to the unnamed families suffering under similar conditions. One mother explained how she was encouraged to learn that her small son could benefit from dental services offered under a state-sponsored program for the medically underserved. However, if she accepted a job promotion that would help her family pay their living expenses, she would no longer qualify for the dental program. Not only that, but she would then become responsible for the ongoing treatment that he must receive.

Each speaker, and all attendees at this thought-provoking event were encouraged to sign a banner representing his or her commitment to making "Cover All Kids" a reality by 2010. If you would like more information about what can be done to promote this initiative, and to powerfully engage in this aspect of the democratic process, contact any of the following representatives: Molly Markert at mollymarkert@comcast.net; Tara Trujillo at tara@coloradokids.org; Stacey Moody at stacey@cchn.org; or Marilyn Stranske at marilyn@mopdenver.org.

I will bring the suggested actions flyers that were distributed at the rally to our next Boulder MAU meeting on Monday, February 25th at Play Grounds Café.

Kelye Lotz-Andrews