SACRAMENTO – August 16, 2011 – As California’s students prepare to head back to school, Californians for Patient Care reminds parents that they can help their kids start the year off right by getting an annual health check-up.

“With kids heading back to school in the next few weeks, we want to remind parents that good health can make a huge difference in a child’s school year. Even a few missed days of school each year due to illness, especially a preventable one, can put kids – and parents who have to miss work to stay home with them – at a disadvantage,” said Carmella Gutierrez, president of Californians for Patient Care. “For families without adequate health insurance and who might be concerned about the affordability of preventive care, there are healthcare options available at minimal or no cost which can help their kids get and stay healthy. Californians for Patient Care can help you find the care you need, when you need it.”

People can access this network of healthcare resources, called MyHealthReosurce, by clicking on the blue button at www.calpatientcare.org. After typing in basic search information, Californians can find a comprehensive list of local healthcare facilities that provide primary care, dental, mental health and vision services to people with minimal or no health insurance. Along with information on local healthcare service providers, Californians for Patient Care also provides information on chronic disease management, how to shop for health insurance, information on new research studies and links to helpful organizations and websites.

“Kids in California are facing all kinds of health challenges, from teen obesity and high incidences of whooping cough to high asthma rates,” said Gutierrez. “It’s important to give our kids the best possible circumstances in which to thrive and it all starts with good physical and mental health.”

Californians for Patient Care is a nonprofit organization based in Sacramento dedicated to protecting the interests of patients and ensuring all California consumers have fair and equitable access to high-quality healthcare. For more information, visit www.calpatientcare.org.