Health Care Access

Mother of two boys, Sylvia, shares her story in Washington, D.C.

We believe that health care is a moral issue that affects the dignity of families in our community.

Local clinics

Local clinics run by non-profits and local government help create a health safety net for many in Orange County who are uninsured or underinsured.  FOCUS congregations have supported this critical safety net through efforts such as bringing a mobile clinic to serve Reeves Terrace public housing complex; and, supporting the extension of hours at several PCAN clinics.

Children's Health Insurance

In the last few years, Florida's KidCare program has had a bad track record with parents and families due to enrollment and renewal obstacles as well as lack of effective outreach.  FOCUS leaders heard from parents whose children were enrolled and subsequently dropped due to paperwork that was lost in the bureacracy.  Parents shared experiences of difficulty reaching anyone who could help with applications, as well as frustration with the online application.  FOCUS worked both locally and in conjuction with our sister organizations in Florida--Congreations for Community Action in Brevard, ACTION Network in Gainesville and Greater Pensacola Community Organizations-- in order to bring common-sense improvements to the application and renewal process.  We also continue to work on more and better outreach efforts.

FOCUS and the other PICO Florida organizations also joined the national effort to reauthorize, improve and expand the federal bill which establishes and funds KidCare and the Children's Health Insurance Programs nationally, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).  We helped lead a bi-partisan effort to reauthorize this outstanding, successful program with other grassroots and health care groups.  The bill finally passed Congress and was signed by President Obama in March 2009.

Affordable Health Care for All Families

Many FOCUS leaders are struggling with health insurance that costs too much, covers too little and makes decisions that should be left to doctors.  We believe that health insurance reform is a critical necessity and we helped create our national network, PICO's health reform platform.  Leaders from congregations throughout FOCUS are working together to make certain that affordable, sustainable and bi-partisan solutions are developed for our familes.  Our congregations and leaders are uniquely positioned to speak to Congress about what is truly affordable for families in Orange County.