Media Advisory
For Immediate Release
March 19, 2007
Contacts:
Caroline Lee, KRC, 323. 937. 3718
clee [at] krcla.org
Health Care Coverage for All Californians
WHAT:
The Korean Resource Center is hosting a community roundtable discussion for community members, Korean American parents, health advocates and friends to discuss the proposals sponsored by Schwartzenegger, Nunez, Perata and Kuehl.
With 4 health proposals on the table, we have a window of opportunity that we cannot waste. These proposals directly affect all members of the Korean American community in California, and we need to learn and discuss them in order to create a health care system that works for everyone, including our community members.
WHEN:
Press Conference: Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 11:00 AM
Community Roundtable Discussion: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 7:00 PM
WHERE:
Korean Resource Center
900 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
WHO:
Caroline Lee, Health Access Program Director- Korean Resource Center
WHY:
Currently, nearly 7 million Californians lack health coverage. According to the California Health Interview Survey 2005, approximately 34% of Korean Americans are uninsured in Los Angeles County, an increase of almost 6% since 2003.
With the rising costs of health care coverage, many more will lose coverage or pay for inadequate coverage that does not meet their health needs. Families USA reported that uninsured children admitted to hospitals with general injuries were twice as likely to die and 44% less likely to receive rehabilitative services than insured children.
Along with preventing delays in medical services, mounting medical debt and bankruptcy, and the premature development of chronic illnesses and death, we need to protect every member of our community- the children, the parents, the small business owners and the employees. A healthy community tomorrow starts from health coverage for ALL Californians today.
Before others decide what will work for our health, we need to consider first what kind of health insurance we need. The politicians are talking, the health advocates are talking, and we, the community, need to start talking.
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