HealthNet, HHS, HUD & Numerous Local Partners Collaborate on a Health Education and Resource Summit in Indianapolis
10/20/2014
INDIANAPOLIS – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in coordination with the Marion County Public Health Department, Covering Kids & Families of Indiana, HealthNet, Meadows Community Foundation and UNEC are collaborating to serve individuals in the community in a holistic manner in an effort to educate local residents regarding health care options that may be available to them under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid and CHIP and affordable housing. The Health Insurance Marketplace will open for enrollment November 15- February 15, 2015. Medicaid and CHIP enrollment remains year-round.
African-Americans are 55% more likely to be uninsured than white Americans. The ACA provides 6.8 million African Americans new opportunities to obtain affordable health insurance coverage. African Americans suffer from higher rates of a range of illnesses and die from preventable illness as compared to the general population. For example, even though the rate of breast cancer incidence is 10 percent lower among African American women, they are 40 percent more likely to die from the disease. Earlier screening and detection for African Americans could help reduce death rates. For individuals already living in HUD-assisted housing, health issues problems may make it more difficult to become more self-sufficient.
WHO: John Hall, HUD Field Office Director
Virginia A. Caine, MD, Director Marion County Department of Public Health
Jimmy Brown, President/CEO HealthNet
WHAT: Health Education and Resource Fairs are intended to provide a one-stop-shopping forum to bridge the gap some may have previously faced in gaining access to quality healthcare and learn more about Fair Housing Rights and Affordable Housing options. Navigators will be available for residents to enroll.
WHEN: Monday, October 20, 2014, 10 a.m. - Noon ET
WHERE: Avondale Meadows Health & Wellness Center (in the YMCA)
3908 Meadows Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205
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HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s Email List.