Eight different organizations have come together to help South L.A. residents sign up for health insurance through the Covered California insurance exchange as well as Medi-Cal, county programs and others. The churches, community health centers, labor unions, and community-based organizations will hold a health fair and health insurance enrollment event on the campus of the historic First A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles on Saturday, March 29 at 2270 S. Harvard Blvd., near Adams and Western.
This event, open to all, will target the so-far under-enrolled populations of Latinos and African Americans. Covered California statistics show that during the first four months of healthcare sign-ups under the Affordable Care Act, African Americans accounted for only 2.7 percent of all California enrollments in both subsidized and unsubsidized health insurance. Yet African Americans make up 6.2 percent of Californians and 9.6 percent of Angelenos. Much has been made in the media of the low rate of enrollment by Latinos, who make up 37.6 percent of Californians and 48.5 percent of Angelenos. Statewide Latino enrollment accounted for only 21.4 percent of total California enrollees for the October through January period.
“This event is part of our mission—to go beyond the walls of the church and into the community to serve the health, economic and social needs of community members,” said Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, senior minister at FAME Church.
“I thank all these organizations for working together to help South L.A. residents,” said Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA), who will attend.
In addition to signing up for health insurance, those attending will have access to:
• a healthy food truck;
• high blood pressure screening;
• education on diabetes, asthma and lead
contamination;
• flu vaccinations;
• poison prevention information;
• and dental health screening;
Entertainment and fun activities will make it easy for parents to focus on getting health insurance while children bounce and make craft projects.
Ministerial Alliance of Southern California A.M.E. Churches is coordinating outreach about Covered California for all of its congregations, including First A.M.E. Church.
One L.A. is a county-wide organization of congregations, schools and nonprofits that work together for social and economic change. One L.A. launched its healthcare enrollment strategy 12 months ago. Since that time, the organization has helped thousands of families to enroll in public and private health coverage.
Let’s Get Healthy South Los Angeles is a coalition of community based organizations and community health centers on the frontlines of ensuring that every resident in South Los Angeles has access to healthcare.
The collaborative includes:
• Community Coalition
• St. John’s Well Child and Family Center
• SEIU / United Healthcare Workers
• The Brotherhood Crusade
• Southside Coalition of Community Health Centers.
