Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) previews San Joaquin RTD’s new “Books on Buses” program with day-long book drive event – Healthy Communities Read
(French Camp) – Health literacy is important to HPSJ because it increases the degree to which HPSJ members, and the community at large, have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. As part of its long-time literacy efforts, community-based HPSJ is a sponsor of the new San Joaquin Regional Transit District (SJRDT) Books on Buses program, which SJRTD launches August 21, 2015.
WHAT:
- To support RTD’s countywide literacy efforts, HPSJ will preview RTD’s Books on Buses program with a kickoff event for HPSJ staff and neighbors, including San Joaquin General Hospital, Mary Graham Children’s Shelter, and the VA Stockton. Each attendee is being encouraged to bring a new or gently used book to fill an RTD bus that will be parked in the celebration area throughout the day.
WHEN:
- Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 9:00am – 5:00pm
PROGRAM: 12:00pm (noon) – 1:00pm
- Amy Shin, CEO, Health Plan of San Joaquin
- Victoria Hazen, Senior Director of Human Resources, Health Plan of San Joaquin – and board secretary for the Library and Literacy Foundation of San Joaquin County
- Jennifer Torres-Siders, Community Relations Manager, University of the Pacific
- Gloria Salazar, Chief Financial Officer/Assistant General Manager, Regional Transit Dist
- Elected representatives / staff
- KAT Country will live broadcast from this event.
WHERE:
- Parking Lot – Health Plan of San Joaquin 7751 So. Manthey Road, French Camp, 209-942-6300
JOURNALISTS:
- News media are invited to cover this event.
FACTOIDS
Recent data show that only 34% of San Joaquin County third graders score at grade level or higher on standardized language-arts tests.
Per capita: 2.7 books and other materials are checked out from the local public library, lagging the statewide rate of 6.1 books.
In a community where only 34% of three and four year olds are enrolled in preschool, and where more than a quarter of infants are born to mothers who lack a high school diploma, any effort to improve school readiness hinges on meaningful parent engagement.
Media Contact:
David Hurst
Vice President, External Affairs
Health Plan of San Joaquin
Phone: 209-461-2241
Text: 916-802-3734
dhurst@hpsj.com