HEALTH FAIR TO HELP THOSE IN NEED FIND SERVICES SCREENINGS, IMMUNIZATIONS TO BE OFFERED AT EVENT.

Byline: CONNIE LLANOS 

Staff Writer

NEWHALL -- Ofelia's 11-year-old son has a toothache, but she can't take him to the dentist.

This single mother of four -- ages 14, 11, 7 and 2 -- is a stay-at-home mom right now and money is tight. Her youngest has Down syndrome and it makes it difficult for Ofelia, who is in the country illegally, to find a job -- let alone pay for expensive dental bills.

While her other three sons, all born in the United States, receive Medi-Cal services, her 11-year-old, who recently arrived from Mexico, does not.

"He tells me his tooth hurts really bad, but I have nowhere to take him."

Like Ofelia, many parents can't afford health care or dental care for their children. No longer just an urban issue, medical expenses have spiked higher and higher, forcing many low-income families and those unable to qualify for subsidized services to forgo their health care in order to pay for rent and other living expenses.

In an effort to bring services to those most in need, the city of Santa Clarita has teamed with Los Angeles County government and at least 45 Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley service providers to plan an April 14 Community Health Fair in Newhall, envisioned as an annual event.

In 2003, nearly 5 percent of all families in Santa Clarita were living in poverty, and almost one-quarter of households were surviving on less than $40,000 a year.

"Many of these people do not receive Medi-Cal and they cannot pay for insurance," said Jackie Ponce, an organizer of the fair and also a community liaison for Newhall's McGrath Elementary School.

"They end up at the Valencia (low-cost) clinic or county hospital, but up to what point can these places give them the specific health care they need? And it's important they know how to care for their health, for their kids' sake."

Susie Cordova, director of the Santa Clarita Community Center, said the fair comes from the desire to bring options to Santa Clarita residents most in need of health care and services.

"Especially in this community, many of our residents are uninsured or underinsured," Cordova said. "We want to educate the community on the services they have available in their area so they know where they need to go when they need help."

Cordova said some free services will be performed on-site at the health fair, including free immunizations for children, free dental screenings and health screenings for conditions including diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol and anemia.

The county office of women's health is providing a mobile women's clinic offering free Pap smears and breast exams for women over 40 who don't have health insurance.

Participating local groups will include the Santa Clarita Domestic Violence Center, the Child and Family Center, Lutheran Social Services and the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry and Samuel Dixon Family Heath Center.

Free workshops will include a cardio salsa class and a self-defense class, as well as sessions on immigration and citizenship, nutrition, infant care and gang and drug awareness.

Entertainment will feature Mexican folklorico dancing and local children's dance groups.

Ofelia, who has not been to a doctor in more than 10 years, said she is excited to have her son's teeth looked at.

"Last time a truck came by offering dental services and I was able to have them take a look at my son's teeth," Ofelia said.

"I hope someone can help his other tooth now."

Ofelia said that, despite her limited English, she is not afraid to look for services that can help her children.

"I am the type of person that takes all the help I can get for my children."

The health fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 14 at the Santa Clarita Community Center, 22421 Market St. For information, call [phone].

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