Number of Uninsured Children Goes Down

In 2001, Santa Barbara County had the highest percentage of uninsured children in California. Now, because of an increased effort to enroll children in Medi-Cal and Healthy Families, 42 percent of children are receiving Medi-Cal services compared to 20 percent in 2000. Officials say insured children decreases the use of hospital emergency rooms and ensures financial stability of county public health clinics and community clinics.