With multi-colored packets in hand and plans for five subsequent enrollment workshops calendared, Dallas Area Interfaith leaders paused to welcome President Obama at Temple Emanu-El Wednesday evening. Obama thanked those gathered saying "there's no state that actually needs this more than Texas."

Months prior to the Presidential visit, institutional leaders of Dallas Area Interfaith raised $20,000 to produce 100,000 copies of a multi-colored, bilingual booklet designed to educate uninsured residents about how the Affordable Care Act works. Civic academies, held in church sanctuaries and school cafeterias, have so far reached 1,600 North Texas residents, sometimes as many as 200 at a time. Leaders are learning that many people require basic education about how health insurance works with questions like "what is a deductible?" commonly raised.

Dallas Area Interfaith is one of eleven Texas IAF organizations leading healthcare enrollment efforts in metropolitan regions of Texas.

In Texas, Obama Calls on Perry to Expand Medicaid, Texas Tribune

Obama's Visit Dallas Stokes Health Reform Debate, Dallas Business Journal

In Dallas, Obama Urges Medicaid Expansion, Dallas Morning News

President Obama Pitches Health Care in Dallas, NBC-DFW

Obama to Promote Health Act in Texas, Its Biggest Doubter, New York Times

Obama Expected to Thank Dallas Area Interfaith for Supporting Health Care Plan, Dallas Morning News

Obama Pitches Health Care in Texas, Underscores Obstacles Caused by Rick Perry, Huffington Post

Obama Defends Health Care Law in Dallas, Washington Post