Article Contributed on: 1/13/2009 10:41:38 AM
Denver - In response to President
Obama's call for Americans to serve their community on the
Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, groups across the country, and Denver, are preparing to volunteer.
Volunteering on MLK Day has been a long standing tradition for the employees of Kaiser Permanente. On January 19, the nonprofit health plan, in partnership with Metro Volunteers, will host one of their largest community service days to date with the support of more than 400 volunteers.
"President Obama stated during his campaign that every time our nation faced a challenge, the American people rose up to meet it," said
Donna Lynne, DrPH, President, Kaiser Permanente Colorado. "Today, one of the biggest challenges facing our community is access to health care. That's why Kaiser Permanente and Metro Volunteers have joined forces to create a day on, not a day off, in honor of Martin Luther King. By committing to a day of service, we will help serve thousands of people who are under or uninsured."
The flagship event at this year's Kaiser Permanente MLK Day of Service is a free health fair at Manual High School. Physicians and nurses will provide preventive screenings, wellness exams, immunizations and more for an anticipated 1,000 Denver residents.
Paula Henry, Director of Volunteer Engagement at Metro Volunteers, attests: "It is incredible to see the thoughtful planning Kaiser Permanente has put into developing the MLK Day Health Fair into a day that will provide essential medical services for children and adults, as well as educating the attendees about resources available to them so they can continue to receive care in the future."
In addition to organizing the MLK Day Health Fair, Kaiser Permanente employees will be volunteering in the community at the City's Annual Marade, the MLK Early College, the Denver Broncos Boys and Girls Club, and the Volunteers of America Dinner for Those Who Hunger. Kaiser Permanente is setting a clear precedent for other businesses and community groups by stepping up to President Obama's call to service.