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OU-COM ANNOUNCES MONEYS AVAILABLE TO QUALIFYING FAMILIES IN MEDICAL SUPPORT SERVICE FUND Contact: Tia Trivison, Marketing & PR For Clinical Services, (740) 593-9572 ATHENS, Ohio -- Medical Support Service Funds (MSSF) are now available for pediatric care at the University Osteopathic Medical Center's Pediatric Department in Parks Hall on OU's West Green. The funds, which are provided by the Well Child Grant of the Child & Family Health Division of the Ohio Department of Health, will cover the costs of physicals and sick visits for qualifying children at the Parks Hall, Athens location, only. According to Jan Johnson, RN, OU-COM's Community Services Program, "the funds really help to fill the gap for families who don't qualify for the Healthy Start program, lack insurance coverage and find it difficult to afford healthcare services for their family." To qualify for MSSF, families must not exceed the following income guidelines: Family Size Earnings/ Month Earnings/Year 2 $2,305 $27,650 3 2,892 34,700 4 3,480 41,750 5 4,067 48,800 6 4,655 55,850 7 5,242 62,900 *each additional person add: 587 7,050 "This program was designed to provide parents the peace of mind of knowing that their children can receive routine medical care without cost," explained Mrs. Johnson. "Children deserve the right to health care, regardless of their parents' income." Anyone interested in applying for MSSF, should call Jan Johnson at 740-593-9801 or 1-800-844-2654. Each family who qualifies will be issued a Medical Support Service Fund card. This program will be available through June 30, 2000, while funds remain. For further information, call Tia Trivison at 740-593-9572. [ 30 ]