Free Health Care
By Bob McDonnellOne piece of advice I often share with consumers is: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Unfortunately, this saying is particularly applicable to health care services. There is a lot of confusing information out there, and it can be difficult for consumers to know what they can rely on. Thankfully, here in Virginia we now have a one-stop shop for reliable, non-commercial information on health and nutrition. Even better, it’s free.
The Virginia Health Information Project is a user-friendly online health resource located at www.vahealth.info, which I hope you will begin to use.
Initial funding for this site resulted from a legal settlement won by our office’s anti-trust and consumer litigation section.
The site includes an extensive health library, doctor-locating services, a health test scorecard, body mass index calculator, food safety tips, lab test explanations, insurance hotlines, and resources for low-income families.
Health news is updated daily, and the site features nutrition information for all age groups.
The Virginia Health Information Project was developed by The Soho Center, a non-profit group founded 35 years ago in Manhattan by Jeanna Beker. She and her husband moved to Virginia and brought with them the desire to help Virginia children, families and consumers with their health and nutrition needs.
“Thanks in large part to the Attorney General’s Office, Virginians now have an easy, one-stop source for health and nutrition information,” Beker said.
“Now, everyone in Virginia can easily find doctors, look up prescription drugs and lab tests, and find reputable information about virtually any disease or health problem. You can get daily health news, sign up for health newsletters, even watch health-related videos. And the VHIP website can connect you to free state and national health resources.”
At www.vahealth.info, parents can find out about toy recalls, car seat safety, childhood immunizations, childhood obesity and prenatal care, while also accessing a medical dictionary for children. And seniors can learn about prescription drugs and plans, Medicare, disabilities, minority health, hospital ratings and more.
It truly is important for the health and well-being of all Virginians that our citizens have access to reliable information and resources regarding nutrition and health. I encourage you to check out www.vahealth.info, a great, reliable, and free health resource.
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