Focus Points Family Resource Center has been awarded funds to help improve health in Denver . The grant is part of a $4.5 million award provided by The Colorado Health Foundation to the Family Resource Center Association, an organization of 24 family resource centers across Colorado, of which Focus Points Family Resource Center is a member .

The goal of the three-year grant, called the "Increasing Access to Care Project", is to help under- and uninsured families in the community. Funds will be used to identify and document barriers that block families from medical coverage or delay finding medical homes (places that serve as a regular source of care) and provide a Family Health Advocate to assist families to obtain quality health care. Linnea Bjorkman, Focus Points' Family Programs Manager, is serving as the Family Health Advocate. Focus Points is working with local health partners, clinics and providers to identify insurance options (Medicaid, CHP+, Medicare and others) as well as promoting regular, preventive visits to doctors and clinics thus reducing emergency needs for health services. The Family Health Advocate is also providing case-management and referrals to wellness and education services.

The current goals of Focus Points include the following: to increase enrollments into the CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) program, to educate families about exercise and nutrition and to provide preventative options to create healthier lifestyles. We do this in part by collaborating with St. Charles Denver Parks & Recreation Center to offer low-impact aerobics and with Yoga for the People to provide yoga classes. We have created a partnership with the America Diabetes Association, which allows for participants to take advantage of free screenings at their annual Expo. Focus Points will host a 9Health Fair for the first time in 2009, offering a number of health screenings to residents without health insurance. Finally, Focus Points is assisting families to find a “medical home,” as well as helping families with a variety of health care needs.

Families needing assistance in obtaining health care can make an appointment with Linnea Bjorkman, Family Programs Manager, by visiting Focus Points or by using the contact information located below:

Call Linnea Bjorkman, Family Programs Manager, at (303) 928-7139 or email linneafp@gmail.com.