The Gazette

The recession is hitting families hard and many are struggling to provide basic necessities for their children. With Monterey County’s unemployment rate at 16 percent and rising, some families need assistance. To help, First 5 Monterey County, suggests free and low-cost health resources that families with young children can rely on to ensure their children grow up healthy.

How do I know if my child qualifies for free or low-cost health insurance?

Making sense of state-funded insurance programs can be confusing. MC Choice helps families understand the different insurance programs and provides eligibility workers for application assistance. For more information, call 866-361-0477 or visit

www.mc-choice.co.monterey.ca.us/.

I cannot afford to pay for dental bills. How can my child stay up-to-date with dental checkups?

Children should visit the dentist at least once a year starting when their first tooth comes or by their first birthday. Health insurance programs may cover dental care. Free dental screenings are offered locally for children ages 0-5 by First 5 Monterey County’s funded partner Community Oral Health Services. For more information call 831-422-6889.

Parenting books can be expensive. Are there other options for learning how to take care of my baby or young child?

Babies don’t come with instruction manuals. That’s why First 5 California developed the free Kit for New Parents with all the parenting information, advice and useful tips parents need to prepare for parenthood. The Kit includes an educational DVD with parenting advice from child development experts, an easy-to-read parenting guide, a child’s storybook, and more.

To order a free Kit for New Parents, please call 800-KIDS-025 for English assistance or 800-50-NIÑOS for Spanish.

What other free resources are there to help my kids grow up in a healthy environment?

First 5 California and the California Smokers’ Helpline offer free telephone counseling services to help individuals quit smoking and homes free of secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke increases a child’s risk of developing asthma, ear infections and bronchitis. California has made it illegal for parents to smoke in their cars when minors are present. Take the first step by calling 800-NO-BUTTS (English) or 800-45-NO-FUME (Spanish).

First 5 Monterey County encourages parents and caregivers to learn about other local resources. For more information, visit www.first5monterey.org or call 2-1-1 to be connected with resources throughout the county.