Contact: Mary Lou Beane, 240-777-3231
For Immediate Release: September 18, 2001

COUNTY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR
HEALTH PROMOTERS PROGRAM

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is seeking volunteers in the Damascus, Poolesville, Gaithersburg and Germantown areas to work in the Multicultural Health Promoters Program. Volunteers with the program assist County local families in accessing affordable health care and related resources in Montgomery County.

Volunteers will be trained to assist County residents complete the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) application, learn to “navigate” the managed care system and inform their neighbors about County health programs and services. Trainees are encouraged to share information with friends, neighbors, school and religious groups and help uninsured families obtain health insurance for their children.

A training session for volunteers is scheduled for four consecutive Saturday mornings, beginning Saturday, October 6, 2001 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Gaithersburg High School, located at 314 South Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. Monthly follow-up meetings will be on Saturdays at the same location.

Bi-lingual volunteers of all languages are encouraged to apply. Sessions will be held in English and Spanish. A small stipend will be awarded for attending monthly meetings and participating in community activities. Free childcare and lunch will be provided at all training sessions and monthly follow-up meetings.

For more information or to volunteer, please call the Multicultural Health Promoter Program at 240-777-3231 or 240-777-1468.