All Kids Covered

Subject: Message to Schools from Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Barry Maram

August, 2006

Getting reading for school is a hectic time.  I know it's important to make sure that students are prepared and have everything they need to succeed in the classroom. That's why I wanted to make you aware of another itme you may consider adding to your checklist - offering quality, preventive healthcare to your students. Governor Blagojevich created the landmark All Kids health insurance program to provide all Illinois families with affordable, quality healthcare for their children, if they are uninsured.

Below are some ways you can help inform your students/parents about the program during the start of this school year.

1. Fill our the enclosed material request form. We will gladly send you free posters, fact sheets, informational bookmarks and application request cards.
2. Put a link to All Kids on your school and/or classroom web site: www.allkidscovered.com for a banner ad go to http://www.allkidscovered.com/images.html
3. Include an All Kids story in your newsletter to parents. If you'd like a sample article, let us know on your order form and we'll get one to you.
4. Include All Kids bookmarks or other information in back to school registration packets.
5. Send All Kids bookmarks home the first week of school with students . Just fill out the material order request form and let us know how many you need and if you need them bundled for each class.
6. Ask the Parent Teacher Organization to announce All Kids at its first few meetings this year.

We all know that students who get routine check-ups and eye exams will be happier, healthier and perform better in school because they can focus better on their teacher and they can see the blackboard more clearly. With your help, we can provide health insurance to many uninsured students!

Thank you again for helping to make our students healthier this school year!   Please fill out the order form and include any information about what your plans are for the new school year and All Kids. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Barry Maram
Director
Healthcare and Family Services