The Snohomish District in partnership with Coordinated Care, Washington State Employees Credit Union, and the Diversity and Equity Center at Everett Community College is hosting their 2nd Annual COFA Islander Health Fair on Saturday, November 2 from 11:00 – 5:00 at Everett Community College Jackson Conference Center. This year, we are incorporating dental!
The Medical Teams International and Arcora Foundation – SmileMobile vans will provide dental professionals the opportunity to provide mobile dentistry to individuals with the greatest need.
CALL TO ACTION:
In need of dentists or hygienists to provide dental care to individuals in your community with limited access to dental care. With your volunteer service and expertise you can help fill a critical gap in dental care for the Marshallese, Micronesians, and Palauan adults in our communities.
We need dentists/oral surgeons, and hygienists. Will you step up?
BACKGROUND:
COFA Islanders are Pacific Islanders from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated State of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. They are a member of the Compact of Free Association (COFA) Agreement with the U.S. This agreement was formed as a result of nuclear weapons testing during World War II. Under this compact the Marshallese, Palauans, and Micronesians are allowed to live and work in the U.S.
However, COFA Islanders are categorically ineligible for Medicaid. They have high rates of diabetes and hypertension and many cannot afford health insurance. In 2018, Governor Inslee signed into law the COFA Islander Health Plan, which allow COFA islanders to enroll in subsidized insurance through the Health Benefit Exchange in Washington State. In 2019, dental benefits were added to the COFA Islander Health Plan. Dental coverage is slated to begin in 2021. The COFA Islanders are a growing population in Snohomish County and much of this migration is related to rising sea levels. They are climate change migrants.
Benefits of volunteering:
• Get free continuing education credits
• Retired? Get free malpractice insurance through the Volunteer and Retired Providers Program. Register at:
https://www.wahealthcareaccessalliance.org/volunteers
READY TO ANSWER THE CALL?
Contact:
Felicia Cain | Public Health Nurse | ABCD Coordinator | Snohomish Health District
Tel. 425-339-8697 | fcain@snohd.org
QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?
Contact:
Negin Khanloo | Mobile Dental Program Coordinator | Medical Teams International
Tel. 425-284-1958 | nkhanloo@medicalteams.org
or
Karri Amundson | Senior Program Officer | Arcora Foundation
C. 206-276-1620 | Kamundson@arcorafoundation.org
Snohomish Health District
3020 Rucker Ave., Everett, Washington
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