We have seen first-hand the importance of immunizations. Vaccinations provide a level of comfort which allows people to participate in society. When a disease is plaguing society, families do not feel safe. They do not feel comfortable sending children to school, participating in extra-curriculum activity, and going to their houses of worship. Receiving vaccines at the correct time prevents disease development protecting the entire community.
According to The Center for Children & Families, 11.8% of Texas children do no have health insurance coverage and, Every Texan states that Texas leads in both the highest percentage and uninsured residents compared to every other state in the U.S. When a child is unhealthy, healthcare issues are more likely to affect their education. Consequently, many of these children do no have access to preventive medical care, including immunizations. Last year, Dallas saw an increase in the number of children who are uninsured because many lost their eligibility for Medicaid. Statistics, according to The Center for Children & Families, show that approximately 50% of children are uninsured or have CHIP/Medicaid and live in low-income communities. The remaining population are underinsured (the co-pay is too high for the family). A high percentage of our clientele is "working poor" and does not have a medical home or lacks access to public health facilities.
The Care Van, a program by The Caring Foundation of Texas, is unique in the fact that we do not charge any fees for our services. Our clinics focus on children who range from 2 months to 18 years of age and are uninsured and medically underinsured. Most of the other clinics charge a fee that makes it difficult for new families who have migrated to the U.S. to obtain their healthcare needs.
Our Needs
Your gift helps offer life-saving vaccines to families in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston communities. Immunizations continue to be one of the safest, easiest, and least expensive ways to build a healthier future for a child. The Care Van Program helps eliminate barriers that prevent children from receiving primary pediatric preventative care. We're asking you to support social solutions to help create a healthier Texas.