Media Release

11:34 a.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL -  "Cover the Uninsured Week" is April 27, 2008 through May 3, 2008. In recognition of this important initiative, Alachua County's CHOICES Health Services Program will host its 1st  annual CHOICES Community Health Expo, Saturday, May 3, 2008, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multipurpose Center, located at 1028 N.E. 14th St.  

Forty-seven million Americans, including more than 9 million children, are living without healthcare coverage. CHOICES is pleased to be able to provide resources to address the national crisis of the uninsured. 

"This event will allow us to bring community partners together to provide valuable information and services to residents," said Lorraine Austin, CHOICES Health Services Director

The CHOICES Community Health Expo will include information and resources on a variety of topics, free health screenings, and fun activities for children.  CHOICES representatives will be available on-site to take applications for the program.   CHOICES has partnered with Florida KidCare, who will also attend the event so that parents can apply for healthcare coverage for their children.  Other participants include the Alachua County Health Department and Shands Eastside

CHOICES Health Services is committed to providing quality healthcare to Alachua County's working uninsured.   To date, the program has provided services to more than1500 Alachua County residents. This event is free and open to the public. 

For more information about the event or to apply for CHOICES, call 352-264-6772 or visit www.acCHOICES.com.  For more information about Cover the Uninsured Week, visit www.covertheuninsured.org

If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.

-30-