Story Published:
Aug 11, 2008 at 9:34 PM EST
Story Updated:
Aug 13, 2008 at 9:33 PM EST
It’s called "Ventanilla de Salud", which means "window of hope."
The idea is to keep the uninsured from getting sick by providing them with quality health coverage.
In the Central Valley, the Hispanic community, now more than a million deep, is said to make up the majority of people living here.
It’s estimated that nearly a quarter million contribute greatly to the essential work force that keeps the valley's multi-billion dollar Ag industry running smoothly.
But many here are living without quality health coverage, primarily the 45,000 Mexican immigrants that seek out services at the Mexican consulate in Fresno each year.
Consul Martha Rosas, Consulate of Mexico: "because of that reason... We thought we'd establish a service called "Ventanilla de Salud,” which means window of hope.
Beginning in September, Rosas says that's what the Mexican Consulate in Downtown Fresno will be offering, to the more than 400 Hispanics who walk through these gates every day.
She says the idea is to help Hispanics without health coverage, get information on where they can obtain health care services at low or no cost, so that the uninsured are not forced to use emergency rooms for treatment.
Rosas: "Here at the consulate, there will be 2 people stationed. One in the front and we’ll have a private office."
Harry foster, family healthcare network: "People will be able to provide constant care, cost effective quality care."
Family healthcare network has been providing health coverage to the Hispanic community for the last 33 years, and has been working with the Mexican Consulate here in Fresno for the past several years.
But foster says this will be the first time, his company has ever had an office inside the consulate, where they can provide immediate resources to those who need it most.
This program will serve people all the way from Merced to Kern County, including Inyo.
"Ventanilla de Salud" begins on September 2nd.
Services will be available Monday through Friday.
For the full story, click on the video link to watch Preston Phillips’ report.
Tuesday, Aug 26 at 6:52 PM busybee wrote ...
I would think that the Mexican consul would know that "Ventanilla de Salud" means "Window of HEALTH", not hope.....