For Immediate Release: January 23, 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

What: Forum on the importance of Expanding Insurance Coverage for low-income Virginians

When: Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Conference Room of the Harrisonburg Community Health Center, 1380 Little Sorrell Drive, across from Comsonics on Port Republic Road

Harrisonburg, VA – The Harrisonburg Community Health Center, a federally supported Community Health Center (CHC), will host a forum on the impact of Medicaid expansion on low-income Virginians.

“There are an estimated 400,000 Virginians that could have health insurance through an expansion of insurance for low-income Virginians,” said Christopher Nye, CEO of the Harrisonburg Community Health Center. “In Harrisonburg, Rockingham and Augusta counties, there are an estimated 11,000 people who would gain health insurance. Expanding insurance coverage goes beyond health care, having health insurance reduces financial burdens on low-income persons. Bridging the insurance coverage gap should not be viewed as a political issue but as a moral issue.”

The Harrisonburg Community Health Center is one of over 120 Community Health Centers across Virginia. In 2012, Virginia CHCs served 284,000 patients. CHCs are non-profit organizations serving medically underserved populations by providing comprehensive primary health care to anyone seeking care.

There will be several speakers at the Forum, including individuals who would directly benefit from Medicaid expansion, a spiritual leader in the community and service providers.

To interview a spokesperson for this event, please contact Christopher Nye at 540-236-3683.

The mission of the Harrisonburg Community Health Center is to be a leading provider of quality health care in our diverse community.