By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Local church to hold healthcare workshop
Placeholder Image

As many look for affordable healthcare through Covered California, the state’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act, some may not know where to begin.

Fortunately, St. Francis Episcopal Church of Turlock will provide a free program on Tuesday offering help to community members navigating through the new healthcare system.

“We have been looking for opportunities to reach out to the community to invite them to our church for reasons other than religious stuff,” said Rev. Kathie Galicia. “We have some great facilities for people to enjoy, and since the transition into Covered California has been all over the news lately, we thought this would be a good topic to start with.”

As the church heads into 2014, Galicia shared that they will be looking into holding a series of lectures and programs featuring guest speakers. Other topics for the future will range from gardening and growing your own vegetables, to archaeology.

“We’re an eclectic group with interests all over the place,” said Galicia. “One speaker is an archeologist with a focus on South America and the Mayans. We’re really looking to create these opportunities with different topics that are not necessarily religious, but helpful to the community. Our hope is to let the community see what we’re all about, with hopes that they will decide to come back to church for one of our services.”

The inaugural workshop on the Affordable Care Act will provide community members with state-certified instructors offering their expertise to better understand Covered California. Forms and computers will be available for attendees to find the best health insurance policies available to them under the new healthcare program.

“I know there is a lot of controversy surrounding the Affordable Care Act, but we’re not getting into the politics of it,” said Galicia. “We’re just here to answer questions for those looking to sign-up for affordable healthcare.”

People of all ages and income levels are welcome to attend the free workshop, where a Spanish translator will be present.

“We’re hoping to make it as accessible as possible, so that all can attend,” said Galicia. “We’re excited to give this presentation to help our community.”

The workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the St. Francis Episcopal Church, located at 915 E. Main Street.