Newsnotes - Summer, 2008

A report on happenings at the Center for Immigrant Healthcare Justice

2008-2009 Campaign is in the Works
This summer Executive Director Dr. Kevin Minder has been spending time planning for his visit to 24 states in 2008-2009. Because he has already visited the other 26 states, this year"s calendar will be busy trying to establish contacts in the remaining states. This will complete the solidarity network begun in 2006. The CIHJ is developing a nationwide network of solidarity with immigrants by identifying social justice organizations, student groups, hospital system employees, and religious communities interested in signing the Solidarity Statement. It is hoped that by the end of 2009 we can collect at least 100,000 signatures. If you would like to sponsor a Solidarity event, please contact the CIHJ via the "Contact Us" button on the left of this page.

Center Hires Mr. Brian Kennebeck as New Development Director
The CIHJ is pleased to announce that it has hired Mr. Brian Kennebeck as the new Director of Development. Brian comes to his new position full of enthusiasm and eager to invite others to share in the Center"s mission to advance healthcare reform by advocating for immigrants-those who have the most difficulty accessing the healthcare system.Mr.Kennebeck grew up in St. Louis and currently lives in West County. His last position was as Account Director for Express Scripts, a pharmaceutical benefit management company. We are pleased to have him now on our Staff. Welcome Brian!

29 States Offer No Medical Benefit to Immigrants or Their Children
In a recent report by the Center for American Progress, 29 of the Nation"s 50 states provide no funding for poor documented immigrants or their children. This means that those legal immigrants who are subject to the 5 year Federal Medicaid ban will have to rely on emergency rooms or charity clinics for their care, because state funding is no longer available. The exclusion includes immigrants in states that formerly provided benefits, even without the Federal Medicaid match. Because they do not have the right to vote, immigrants are more vulnerable to cuts in state and Federal budgets.

Executive Director Speaks at National Gathering of Church Women United
On June 21, Dr. Kevin Minder was invited to speak to a national gathering of women from the Christian women's organization Church Women United. The national convention was held in Independence, Missouri. Dr. Minder spoke on the need for healthcare reform to include those in our society who are currently overlooked, including immigrants subject to a 5 year ban on Medicaid funding.

The Center for Immigrant Healthcare Justice