Carousel Enrollment Fair Coming To Gig Harbor on May 11

Pierce County has more than 10,000 children who qualify for Washington State’s health programs and are not currently enrolled.

That’s a number that is just not acceptable to those who are coordinating a series of seven family oriented enrollment fairs throughout Pierce County. The series, titled the “Carousel Enrollment Fairs,” will offer fun and family oriented entertainment, prizes, information on health care and, most importantly, on-site enrollment for these children.

“This is going to be a free and fun opportunity for families who need it most," state Rudy Vasquez, Multicultural Services Director for Sea Mar Community Health Centers. “Our goal is that the families can come and enjoy some fun, but walkaway having had an opportuniy to be connected community services and benefits such as health care coverage, food and other resources as needed."

The Washington State Coalition for Healthy Communities of Color, the coordinating entity, is bringing together community groups, agencies, the state’s five Medicaid health plan providers and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Mobil CSO enrollment truck to ensure that families get the information and services needed. Bilingual staff will be available.

Pierce County is the first “stage” location of what might become a multi-family outreach effort if all goes well with the first attempt. The Carousel Health Fair began Feb. 9 in Fife and are rotating to varying sites in Pierce County through May. DSHS, Sea Mar Community Health Centers, Community Health Care Tacoma, Comprehensive Health Education Foundation, Amerigroup, Community Health Plan of Washington, Coordinated Care, Molina Healthcare, United Healthcare, Within Reach, Mercy Housing, WIC offices and many more agencies will be present to provide free activities, prizes and information to families.

Locations and Dates are as follows:

• May 11: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gig Harbor at Cheney Family Boys & Girls Club

For more information, please visit our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WSAHCC

-Coordinated Care