By Tove Tupper
 
January 7, 2008
 
MEDFORD, Ore. -- The Jackson County Community Health Center recently received a $20,000 donation from the Providence Medical Center and Medical Group for its uninsured children's program.
 
CHC's program, Every Child Can have a Medical Home, began a few years ago. The program allows children to get their first doctor's visit for free. That visit includes antibiotics. If the child has an infection, the center will also make sure the children are up to date on all their immunizations. CHC says it's seen an increase in newly uninsured kids come through it's doors.
 
"We have quite a few families that are very relieved with the program, just that initial visit put their worries at ease, it's more of an outlet for them," says Erin Mendenhall with CHC.
 
To date, the program has served about 4,500 uninsured children in Jackson County.