November 29, 2004 CommunityCARE Week is Nov. 28-Dec. 4Medicaid representatives to distribute program information throughout state

BATON ROUGE, Nov 29, 2004 - Noting that “the state of Louisiana has an interest in providing a comprehensive, community-based health care delivery system with preventive and primary health care as its foundation,” Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has proclaimed the week of November 28 through December 4 CommunityCARE and KIDMED Week in Louisiana.  In emphasizing CommunityCARE and KIDMED Week, the Department of Health hopes to ensure primary care services for Medicaid clients and increase preventive health screening for children through these programs.

“As a partner in Governor Blanco’s health care reform initiative, LDH is striving to increase access to health care for the citizens of Louisiana,” said LDH Secretary Dr. Fred Cerise.  “CommunityCARE Week will provide us with the opportunity to further the goals put in place by Governor Blanco.”

CommunityCARE creates a "medical home" for Medicaid clients, linking them to primary care providers who can help manage their health care before medical problems become severe. The program aims to decrease rates of serious illnesses such as cancer and diabetes in Louisiana by having patients see doctors regularly to monitor their health. The program also aims to cut down on unnecessary emergency room visits.

The KIDMED program was established by Congress in an effort to offer quality preventive health care for children up to 21 years old. This program provides complete physical exams, dental exams, vision and hearing checkups, immunizations, blood and urine tests, sickle cell anemia tests, health education, eyeglasses, hearing aids and more for financially eligible recipients at no cost.

Throughout the coming week, representatives from local parish Medicaid offices will be in the community to provide CommunityCARE clients and providers with more information about the program. They also will be looking to enroll potentially eligible families into LaCHIP or Medicaid so that these families can also obtain the benefits of these crucial medical services. A list of activities taking place in different parts of the state is provided below.

For more information about the program or activities scheduled throughout the state this week, call toll-free 1-800-359-2122 or visit the Web site at www.la-communitycare.com.

CommunityCARE Week
Calendar of Events

Monday, November 29

Calcasieu Parish Health Unit (7:30a.m.-3:30p.m.) 3236 Kirkman St., Lake Charles
Tuesday, November 30

Vermillion Parish Health Unit (9:30a.m.-Noon) 401 S. St. Charles St., Abbeville

Wednesday, December 1

St. Charles Community Health Center (9:00 am-2:00 pm.) 843 Milling Avenue, Luling
CommunityCARE Informational Fair (9:00am – 5:00pm) @ United Way Office, 2515 Canal Street, New Orleans

Friday, December 3

CommunityCARE Informational Fair (10:00am – 2:00pm) @ Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center 4000 Gus Young Ave., Baton Rouge
Annual CommunityCARE/KIDMED Luncheon (11:30a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) @ River Oaks, 520 East Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette