Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day
              September 20, 2005

FACT SHEET

What is Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day?

Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day is part of a national campaign by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), that focuses on the health gap between racial and ethnic minorities and the general population. The campaign, Closing the Health Gap, was launched November 19, 2001. This year, the Closing the Health Gap campaign is also working to spread the word about the new Medicare prescription drug benefit that will begin January 1, 2006. Medicare recipients can begin enrolling in Medicare prescription drug plans on November 15th. If you join a plan after May 15, 2006 you are likely to pay a higher monthly premium unless you currently have a drug plan that covers as much or more than a Medicare prescription drug plan.

Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day encourages individuals to see a health care professional on September 20, 2005, or make an appointment for the near future. By focusing our efforts on a single day, we believe we can help generate a greater understanding of the importance of regular health screenings while at the same time focus on those populations that tend to have the least access to health care. Prior to and after Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day, health messages will be aired on radio stations across America discussing the health gap and offering specific tips on leading healthier life.

When is Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day?

September 20, 2005. But individuals are urged to consider any day as a good day to take a loved one for a checkup. If you can't get an appointment on September 20, make an appointment for later in the week. The point is to go see a health professional and begin taking charge of your health.

Why is there a Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day?

Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day encourages regular health care visits and screenings. Many people wait until there is an emergency before they go for a checkup. Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day is an excellent way to screen individuals, and where necessary, refer them for follow-up care.

Why has the name changed?

In previous years, the campaign was called Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day. This year we have changed the name to Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day to emphasize the importance of preventive screenings and to acknowledge the full breath of health professionals involved in keeping communities healthy (doctors, nurses, dentists, physician's assistants, and other health providers). Since our name change is new, Checkup Day events this September will be held under a variety of names. We encourage partners across the country to customize the campaigns to reach their communities. Some organizations will continue to use Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day. Whatever the name, we all strive to meet the same goal.

Where is Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day occurring?

Events are being planned by local organizations in communities across the country. These will include health fairs and screenings at specific locations (shopping malls, local parks), community health forums, local media outreach and much more.

Who will participate in Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day?

Local community-based organizations, including health centers and health departments, are participating. They are seeing patients, sponsoring health fairs, sharing information about Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day and helping to transport individuals to an appointment. Local civic groups, businesses and other community-based organizations are also encouraged to participate in any way they can.

How can I participate in Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day?

It's easy. Identify someone you know who hasn't been to a health professional lately and make an appointment for them. Then take them. Or, if you haven't been to see a health professional in a while, make an appointment for yourself.

National, state, and local organizations are encouraged to partner to help spread the word. HHS is encouraging local health centers and health departments across America to play a leading role in planning local events. We encourage you to collaborate with other organizations or partners in your community to ensure that those most in need of health care will have access to a health professional on Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day.

What if someone in my community (or I ) do not have health insurance?

If they (or you) don't already have a doctor, or don't have health insurance, contact your local community health center (http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc) or local health department to ask about free or low-cost care. If you have insurance and don't use it, there is no better time than now. If you need assistance finding a health provider, click here or call 1-800-444-6472 and ask to speak to one of our information specialists.