News Release
Children's health resource guides promote local community services
CHICAGO, August 30 / HandKind, a nonprofit organization focused on children's wellness, announced plans for an updated Chicago Edition of its Children's Health Resource Guide, which lists local children’s health services.

Many families are unaware of the programs that are available to them, especially for health insurance. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 88% of all low-income uninsured children are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP (which provides low-cost or free health insurance).

'The Children's Health Resource Guide was created to help parents and caregivers connect with a wide range of national, state and local children’s health programs and services,' said Kirk Martensen, Managing Director, HandKind. 'The Guide was created for those who do not have Internet access or are unaware of resources in their community.'

Since 2003, the Children's Health Resource Guide has been distributed free to hundreds of shelters and other community centers located throughout the Chicago area, including CASA of Cook County, Chicago Urban League, Gilda's Club, and YWCA Women's Shelter. The Guides are also distributed at back-to-school events in Chicago area neighborhoods.

HandKind works with businesses as sponsors to underwrite the cost of the Children's Health Resource Guides. The guides are printed in 4x9" format and dispensed from counter-top displays – all provided free to the distribution center.

'Businesses that sponsor the Children's Health Resource Guide help to provide a valuable program that benefits many families and children,' said Martensen. 'Our sponsors receive positive exposure within the Guides and on our website, which is part of the HandKind sponsorship program. We have a flexible sponsorship plan and can customize a program to accommodate the needs of most companies.'

About HandKind
Founded in 1997, HandKind Company is a Chicago based, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to improving children's wellness. HandKind programs help parents and caregivers connect to children's health related information, services and products. HandKind does not accept donations from individuals. Instead, the organization strives to increase corporate support of nonprofits and focuses on businesses to sponsor its programs. Contact Kirk Martensen, Managing Director, at 773-334-7800 or kmartensen@handkind.org.