Fresno? Fres-yes!

Where better to talk about health care than in Fresno, California, which has some of the biggest health care problems, and some of the highest uninsurance rates in the state (and nation)? Because it has the highest need, Fresno will get some of the biggest benefit from the new federal Affordable Care Act, especially in 2014 and beyond.

On Thursday, March 22nd, the California Health Benefits Exchange Board will hold its first meeting outside of Sacramento, at the Fresno Convention Center.

Here’s the agenda for the Exchange meeting, which just came out:
http://www.healthexchange.ca.gov/Documents/March%2022%20Board%20Meeting%20Agenda%20-%20FINAL.pdf

To mark the 2nd anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, many Fresno community and constituency groups are planning a press event for that morning, prior to the public portion of the Exchange meeting, which is set to start at 10:45am. For more information on this event, contact Rose Auguste at rauguste@health-access.org.

Then, on Saturday, March 24th, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is hosting a community meeting, to focus on access to health care services, including culturally and linguistically competent care, health insurance coverage, mental health care and resources for individuals with disabilities.

The WHIAAPI Community Health Issues Town Hall is presented in partnership with California State University, Fresno, College of Health and Human Services. Here’s the info:
When: Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: CSU Fresno Campus, University Dining Hall
5200 N. Campus Drive M/S RD38
Fresno, CA 93740

Deadline for Registration: Midnight on Monday, March 19, 2012
You can sign up here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/whiaapi-community-health-issues-town-hall-fresno-ca

Health Access California promotes quality, affordable health care for all Californians.