Programs offer health insurance help for children

Inland Northwest children who lack health insurance may be able to gain free or low-cost coverage through targeted federal and state programs, said Washington Health Foundation organizers, who hope to enroll more youngsters as they head back to school.

“Healthy Kids Now!” aims to increase overall coverage for children in families at a wide range of income levels. Children living in a family of four earning up to $50,000, or even more may qualify. Parents can call (877) KIDS-NOW to find out if their children are eligible.

In Washington, the number of children with private health insurance has dropped by 12 percent since 1997, according to a new study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In Idaho, that figure has fallen 7 percent.

At the same time, the number of kids enrolled in Medicaid and state programs has climbed by more than 35 percent in Washington and by nearly 60 percent in Idaho, the study showed.

More than 115,000 children under 17 in Washington and about 42,000 children in Idaho remained uninsured in 2004.

Eligibility for coverage is based on family size and income. More children could be covered if more parents were aware of the programs, the report showed.

To view the report, “The State of Kids Coverage,” visit www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org

Local blood supply reaches critical low; donors sought

A lingering lull in blood donations is keeping regional supplies at a critical low, said officials with the Inland Northwest Blood Center in Spokane.

Blood inventories have dropped to a two-day supply, instead of the preferred four- or five-day supply, said Mark Gelhaus, community services manager.

Vacations, warm weather and high use of blood products typically cause summer shortages.

The inventory of Type O blood, which is universally accepted, is particularly low, but all types of blood are needed, officials emphasized.

For more information or to make a donation appointment, call (509) 624-0151 or (800) 423-0151.

Conference addresses nonverbal learning disorders

Idaho parents, teachers and health care professionals who work with patients with nonverbal learning disorders or sensory processing problems can gain new treatment information at an occupational therapy conference set for September.

The Idaho Occupational Therapy Association’s annual conference is scheduled for Sept. 22 and 23. Featured speakers are Mary Benbow, a pediatric specialist, and Tina Champagne, an adult specialist.

Benbow is a lecturer and author of “Loops and Other Groups.” She will discuss the latest findings from research and clinical practice associated with 30 school difficulties.

Champagne is the occupational group therapy program manager for acute psychiatric services at Cooley-Dickenson Hospital in Northampton, Mass. She is regarded as an expert in the creation of nurturing and healing treatment environments. Her workshop is expected to appeal to occupational therapy and mental health practitioners working in a variety of settings.

The conference will be held at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Boise. Attendees are expected from throughout Washington and Idaho, said Linda Jackson, executive director of the IOTA. Registration is required; early discounts will be in effect until Friday.

For more information go to, www.id-ota.com/ann_conf_06.htm, or call (866) 388-4682 to learn more.