ISNA JOINS THE INTER-RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY IN SUPPORT OF UNINSURED CHILDREN

ISNA JOINS THE INTER-RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY IN SUPPORT OF UNINSURED CHILDREN

On July 25th, 2007 the Catholic Health Association of the United States organized a press conference on Capitol Hill to call for the renewal of State Children’s Health Insurance Program. State Children’s Health Insurance Program or (SCHIP) covers roughly 1/3 of all the uninsured and underinsured children in the United States. SCHIP was supported by 30 different organizations at the press conference many of which are prominent health care, labor and religious organizations. This diverse group joined together to convey a simple message: We do not always agree, but we do agree on health care coverage for our nation’s children. "When such a large and diverse group of organizations stands on the same stage in unanimous agreement, it is because the issue at stake is tremendously important, which health care for our children most certainly is," said Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA).The Islamic Society of North America was also present at this event to show its support and importance for SCHIP. Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed of the Islamic Society of North America stated that “Our Children are the most precious trust from God Almighty. It is our collective religious obligation to make sure that they are provided appropriate health care, and possibilities of spiritual and intellectual growth. If we fail in taking care of some of them it is like failing to take care of all of them.”

The press conference held on Wednesday was organized to promote support for the renewal of State Children’s Health Insurance Program. SCHIP has been active for ten years, during which is has covered millions of uninsured children. Now time has come to reauthorize the program through Congress so it can continue to help children in need. The program asks for the funding of $35 billion dollars over the course of five years to provide low-income children with the health care they deserve. During the event, 535 teddy beards were distributed to each member of Congress to remind them of the importance of this program. The bears’ shirts read “Children need more than bears, they need Health care. SCHIP NOW!” A national public opinion survey was conducted on behalf of the Catholic Health Association which revealed that 86 percent of the people believe Congress should continue SCHIP. The strong majority of the people taking the survey concluded that with the government currently spending over $144 billion a year on military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, surely $7 billion more can be managed to give the 8 million uninsured children a chance at proper health care.