News
Health issues top agenda at meeting
- Details
- By Kate Cole
- Thursday, May 03, 2012
- Hits: 305
Pam Nelson, community outreach specialist for the Genesee Health Plan, and Danielle Smith, rehabilitation counselor with Michigan Commission for the blind, were the speakers at the East Side Business Association May 2.
Nelson talked about the Tri-Share Program for small business owners offered by Genesee Health Plan that provides affordable insurance to their employees.
"The plan is paid for in thirds, one-third by the Genesee Health Plan, one-third by the employer and one-third by the employee," Nelson said. "For $150 month the plan helps small businesses provide basic coverage for their employees."
According to Nelson the Genesee Health Plan is paid in part by county residents on their tax bills.
"Our millage will be up for renewal on the November ballot," Nelson said. "Our plan helped 25,000 residents who didn't have health insurance. Services provided include cancer screenings, doctor visits, X-rays and basic prescriptions," Nelson explained.
The group also has a durable medical equipment closet where all Genesee County residents can borrow wheelchairs, crutches and other medical equipment free.
Asked why Genesee County has some of the best medical facilities in the state but its children have higher than normal death rates, Nelson explained the county has high rates for child abuse, and a large number of babies are born to mothers who are addicted to drugs.
Asked what impact the Obama Health Care Plan will have on the Genesee Plan, Nelson said that if the Obama plan goes into effect it would still leave about 27,000 people in Genesee County without insurance.
Danielle Smith challenged members of the business group to think about the Michigan Commission for the Blind when looking for experienced employees.
"We can help you find new employees with the qualification and skills you require," Smith said. "We provide on-the-job training and follow-up services."
According to Smith, visually impaired employees have been shown to have better then average retention, performances and quality of work rates. She said her staff could assess a specific job to ensure a proper match between job requirements and the skills and capabilities of a job candidate who is blind or visually impaired.
Her group will also provide technical assistance and equipment needed, including low-vision devices, computer software and magnification equipment.
Smith said her clients are making contributions to society in areas like child care, culinary arts, radio and computer repair.
The commission also provides blind people who are 55 or older with an independent living program that teaches skills such as orientation and mobility to help maintain independence at home. Braille for labeling, reading and writing, kitchen skills and leisure activities are also included in the training.
Smith introduced Arla Sylman, a visually impaired mentor for clients seeking positions in the marketplace.
Sylman described the summer employment excursion program that brings together resources for the blind and helps clients to achieve their goals for independence and employment.
Sylman explained the different levels of sight impairment.
Asked whether it's more difficult lose one's sight at birth or later in life, Sylman said it is generally a longer adjustment period if one is not born blind.
"It's just like losing anything else. There's a period of grieving," Sylman explained.
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