April 8, 2011

MANCHESTER DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE
APRIL 16 'MANCHESTER DAY FOR HEALTH'

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Democratic legislative delegation of state Sen. Stephen T. Cassano and state Reps. Geoff Luxenberg, Jason Rojas and Jack Thompson announced today that "Manchester Day for Health" will be held Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Manchester Community Health Services, 150 North Main Street, Manchester.

The Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis at the University of Connecticut estimates that 10.5% of Connecticut's population – about 365,000 people – do not have any health insurance, even though 80% of those people are employed. The reasons for lacking health insurance are myriad, including death of a spouse, divorce, unemployment and teenagers aging out of their parent's health insurance plan.

"Good health is a given for most Connecticut residents, but for those without health insurance or without adequate health insurance, one illness can make or break a family or a career. Manchester health day will provide free care and screenings to needy residents, and that could make all the difference. We encourage qualified residents to make time for this event," delegation members said.

The April 16 event offers dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; behavior health screenings; medical screenings; and sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings. It is open ONLY to uninsured and underinsured Manchester residents; proper identification is required.

Pre-registration is also required; NO WALK-INS are allowed. To register, please call 860-528-1359, Extension 114.

Transportation will be provided by the Town of Manchester; call 860-647-3211 to arrange a ride.

The event is sponsored by East Hartford Community Healthcare Inc.; the Town of Manchester; the state Department of Public Health; and the Eastern Connecticut Health Network.