Job loss, health care topics of LF meeting

LITTLE FALLS - Have you recently lost your job and your health insurance?

Those who are in that situation are invited to a meeting about "Thriving through Job Loss" at 1-4 p.m. Monday at the Morrison County Government Center (the courthouse) in Little Falls.

The meeting, open to the public, no charge, is sponsored by Catholic Charities and the Morrison County Job Loss Action Committee.

The forum will focus on health, dental and vision care, and insurance. Topics will be: Temporary health insurance, including Cobra's continued employer insurance; Social Service's assistance including Minnesota-Care; Health, dental and vision care for the uninsured; Veterans health care benefits; and the Rural Minnesota CEP Dislocated Workers program. Concerns in addition to health care will also be addressed, such as the "emotional rollercoaster" of a job loss.

The audience's questions will be responded to by the meeting's speakers. The speakers will be representatives from insurance agencies, the local hospital and medical center, social services, veterans' services, and government-funded, employment assistance programs.

More meetings to address the needs of those who have lost their jobs are being planned. The Job Loss Action Committee is comprised of volunteers from all walks of life, including some who have recently lost their jobs.

Catholic Charities will be emphasizing "Thriving through Job Loss." The interactive presentation explores the emotional impacts of job loss and ways to incorporate support and well-being into the journey. The presentation will benefit anyone who has lost a job, even if health care and insurance are not concerning them.

Catholic Charities is a nonprofit organization that advances the charitable and social mission of the Diocese of St. Cloud by providing quality services to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths and beliefs.