More than  800 children and teens now have health insurance in Chatham County as a result of the Mayor’s Campaign for Healthy Kids and Families. The 18-month initiative, at a half-way point this month, set a goal of getting 2,279 youth enrolled or re-enrolled in PeachCare for Kids and Right from the Start Medicaid by the end of December.

Eight community-based organizations work together to provide enrollment assistance to families at various sites around the county, from health clinics to shelters, community centers,  even the juvenile court system, and at numerous public events.  These insured youth are now able to get comprehensive health coverage—medical, dental, vision services, and more—at no or very low cost.

“The numbers are great:  803 insured children,” said Suzanne Donovan, executive director, Step Up Savannah. “What this means is even better:  These are parents who, now, when their 3 year-old unexpectedly gets a fever of 105, or their 14-year-old child breaks a leg playing sports, can feel safe knowing their medical costs are covered. 

“The peace of mind health insurance for your kids can bring can’t be over-stated.”

The Campaign goal is ambitious—to reduce by 50% over an 18-month period the number of uninsured children in Chatham County who are eligible for PeachCare  and Right from the State Medicaid— but partners such as the Savannah Chatham Public Schools System, the Westin Hotel and others are doing what it takes to open their doors to promote enrollment assistance.

To find free personal enrollment assistance, visit our website at www.healthykidssavannah .org  for a complete list of community partners. Contact Campaign Manager Eva Elmer for more information about the Campaign (912-661-3040 or [email protected]).