Currently, an estimated 47 million Americans are living with no or inadequate health insurance, including more than 9 million children.  Statistics like these are the reason “Cover the Uninsured Week” was founded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation some years ago.  The foundation’s goal was to not only educate the uninsured, but to educate the rest of the American population as to the severity of the problem, and, hopefully, effect policymakers in Washington D.C.

Each year, working with local politicians, hospitals, community groups, and youth centers, Health Plus looks for new ways to participate in this initiative and to bring out as many people to as many local events as possible.  This year’s events have already featured face-painting clowns, Martial Arts demonstrations, carnival fare, and music, with much more to come by the end of the week.

“Sponsoring this week is a virtual extension of our business,” says Executive Director for Health Plus, Tom Early. “Offering people access to free and affordable healthcare is what we’re about. And we’re very grateful to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for focusing attention on the need for universal health insurance in our country in so prominent a way each first week of May. It’s a great initiative, and we’re honored to be part of it.”