By unanimous vote, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors finally agreed to fund a healthcare pilot project for undocumented residents, put forth by leaders of Communities Organized for (relational) Power in Action (COPA).

$500 thousand has been allocated to pay for lab tests, radiology and pharmacy services -- things generally unaffordable for residents concentrated in the agriculture or hospitality industry. The purpose is to prevent future visits to the county hospital's emergency room. The Episcopal Diocese estimates that between 1,200 and 2,000 uninsured undocumented county residents will be eligible for the program. According to Canon Jesus Reyes:

"The word 'vulnerable' summarizes the intent of the project. The vulnerable play an important role in our society; they get up early in morning, go to work, bring resources to our tables, our fiscal well-being and our whole society. They are fulfilling their social role among us. It is important for us to pay attention to their health needs."

Monterey County to Close Gap in Healthcare for Undocumented Residents, New American Media

Monterey County Supports New Program to Help the Uninsured, KION News Channel 5

El Camino Real Support Healthcare Pilot Program to Aid Uninsured, Along the King's Highway Newsletter

Supervisors Launch Pilot Program to Aid the Uninsured, The Californian

Program Piloto de Salud en Salinas, CA, Univision Monterey-Salinas

County OKs Plan to Pay for Health Services for Uninsured, Monterey County Weekly

County Prepared to Launch a Pilot Covering Gap in Health Services for the Uninsured, Monterey County NOW

Pilot Uninsured Health Coverage Program Ready for Supervisors, Monterey Herald

Monterey County's Uninsured Focus of Health Project, The Californian