Santa Clara County, California, October 23, 2007

Children in our community need access to comprehensive health care that consists of continuous medical and dental care coverage in order to ensure their healthy growth and development and help them thrive in school. Starting this fall, the newly designed, kid-friendly FIRST 5 Health Mobile will bring primary health care services to Santa Clara County children, building on their existing dental care services offered throughout the county. .Parents who lack transportation or cannot sacrifice time and lost wages from work for their child’s health care exams may schedule their child’s free appointment with the Health Mobile to take place at their school.

“The FIRST 5 Health Mobile provides accessible health care at schools, day care centers and health fairs. Accessibility is the second major barrier to health service after affordability. With support from FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, we provide free health services to children ages 0 to 5 throughout the county,” said Mike Reza, President of the FIRST 5 Health Mobile. To make sure children are ready for school, California law now requires that children have an oral health assessment in order to enter public school – which the FIRST 5 Health Mobile can provide.

The FIRST 5 Health Mobile offers comprehensive dental and primary medical care including diagnostic, preventive, restorative and special care treatments. Specific dental services include dental exams, x-rays, oral health assessments and education, sealants, fillings, root canals, and extractions. Medical care includes medical exams, diagnosis and treatment for early childhood diabetes and child obesity, in addition to other early childhood medical issues.

These services are provided through partnerships with local schools and non-profit organizations, which help reach families in their own neighborhoods as well as at health fairs and community events. With redesigned colorful cartoon characters on its exterior, the FIRST 5 Health Mobile is easier to spot and more inviting for children.

To find out when the FIRST 5 Health Mobile will be in your area, or to schedule an appointment at your child’s school, please contact Mike Reza at (408) 879-0110.