Kaiser, Clinics Throw Lifeline to Healthy Kids Effort in Sonoma County
Kaiser Permanente is teaming up with the Redwood Community Health Coalition to take over administration of the Sonoma County Healthy Kids program, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports.
The Redwood Community Health Coalition includes 15 health centers and clinics in Sonoma, Napa, Marin and Yolo counties.
County officials approved the change on Nov. 10, and the shift of administration is expected to begin in early 2010.
The plan calls for the clinics to provide services to children younger than age six, while Kaiser will provide care to kids ages six to 18.
The shift in administration of the program is necessary because funding from the state, the California Endowment and the Blue Shield of California Foundation is set to end in 2010, according to program manager Cliff Coates.
The program will continue to receive funding from California's First 5 program (Rose, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, 11/27). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.