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March of Dimes and Kmart Team Up to Make A Difference And "Insure Kids Now"
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., OCT. 18, 2001--The families of uninsured children who are eligible for health insurance can learn how to enroll in their state Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) or Medicaid by visiting Kmart stores nationwide from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 27.
Thousands of March of Dimes volunteers will staff "Insure Kids Now’’ information tables in Kmart stores to provide materials to families who qualify for these programs, yet remain uninsured. According to October 2001 U.S. Census Bureau data, 12 percent of children under age 19 in the United States – 9.2 million – are uninsured. Sixty-two percent of these children live in families with incomes 200 percent below the poverty level, which should qualify them for S-CHIP or Medicaid coverage.
The March of Dimes and Kmart selected October 27 because it is "Make A Difference Day,’’ an annual day of helping others.
This year’s "Make A Difference Day’’ will feature actress and March of Dimes volunteer Vanessa Williams, star of the popular Showtime series ‘Soul Food’ who will appear at the Glendale, Calif. Kmart to discuss the importance of "Insure Kids Now.’’ Williams is the celebrity spokesperson for the Foundation’s National Ambassador Program.
"The March of Dimes is grateful to Kmart, our longstanding partner and sponsor, for continuing to lead the way in educating families of infants and children about important health issues. This is a valuable opportunity to reach hardworking low and moderate-income families who are eager to give their children the security that comes with good health care coverage," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes.
Due in part to ongoing efforts by the March of Dimes in supporting this public-private outreach program, 16 states in 2001 bolstered their S-CHIP enrollment efforts by streamlining the application process and expanding coverage.
In its ninth year as national retail sponsor for the annual March of Dimes WalkAmerica, Kmart Corporation is the top national WalkAmerica team, a distinction held for 17 years.
Kmart Corporation is a near-$40 billion company that serves America with more than 2,100 Kmart and Kmart Supercenter retail outlets and through its e-commerce shopping site. Kmart donates $35 million each year to support its hometowns and local nonprofit organizations. Kmart associates also provide their most valuable resource – time – every day in their local communities. In addition to serving all 50 states, Kmart operations extend to the Caribbean Islands and Asia Pacific. More information is available at www.bluelight.com under the "About Kmart’’ section.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies. For more information, call 1-888-MODIMES.
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