Improving Children's Access to Care

John D Shin

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Shin, John D
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, Division of Community Oral Health

Description

For over 30 years, PCCY has made significant contributions to improving the lives of many children in Pennsylvania. PCCY focuses on making sure every child has the fundamental building blocks for success (health care, high-quality education, proper nutrition, and a dependable support network) by offering direct help to children as well as applying pressure to government officials to persuade them to do what is necessary for every child’s lifetime of success. PCCY also combines comprehensive research and collaborations with partner organizations in developing initiatives and advocating for quality health care, childcare, public education, and family stability

Project Overview

As part of the Bridging the Gaps (BTG) program, the intern contributed to Public Citizens for Children + Youth’s (PCCY) initiatives in improving children’s access to care via updating school nurses’ and counselors’ manual which consolidates the region’s health care providers that offer free and/or discounted services to uninsured children, and social medial outreach efforts to provide information about public health insurance programs and how to enroll through PCCY’s free hotline

Outcome

1. School Nurses’ and Counselors’ Manual: Assessed over 50 health care providers in Bucks County and 150 health care providers in Philadelphia County that provide free and/or discounted services to children without health insurance. Specifically, updated organization’s contact information, verified public health insurance programs (Medicaid and/or CHIP) acceptance, and added providers in Behavioral Health, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Grief Counseling, Family Planning, and LGBTQ; 2. Social Media Outreach for Immigrant Population: Posted 18 social media posts combined and contacted over 135 cultural organizations via Facebook and Twitter as part of the effort to share information about PCCY’s free helpline