SAGINAW, Mich. -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is partnering with the Michigan Department of Community Health in an effort in five Michigan cities to help enroll eligible uninsured children in MIChild.

The Blues are hosting the meetings to urge community leaders and small business owners to help get the word out about MIChild to local working families.

Attendees will be asked to send their staffs to upcoming MIChild enrollment training sessions.

MIChild brochures in English, Spanish and Arabic will be available for participants to take to pass along to families.

The dates and times are:

Oct. 18 - 9 a.m. breakfast at the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Conference Center, Frankenmuth. Speaker: Michigan Children's Ombudsman Verlie Ruffin

Oct. 24 - Noon luncheon at the Macomb Community Center, Macomb. Speaker: Macomb County District Judge Sheila A. Miller

Oct. 25 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast at the Hannah Community Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Michigan Children's Ombudsman Verlie Ruffin

Nov. 5 - 8 a.m. breakfast at the new Harrison Park Elementary School, Grand Rapids. Speaker: Karen Kaashoek, executive director of Catherine's Care Center, a free health clinic

Nov. 6 - Noon luncheon at the Mexicantown Mercado, Detroit. Speaker: MDCH Director Janet Olszewski

All community leaders are welcome to attend these events. Though there is no charge, registration at 800-733-BLUE (2583) is required.

MIChild is a health and dental insurance program run by the Michigan Department of Community Health.

It is for uninsured children of Michigan's working families who have no comprehensive health insurance. It is not a welfare program.

MIChild members choose one of several private health insurers and three dental insurers, including the Michigan Blues.

"Promoting access to health care for all Michigan residents is part of our social mission," said Diana Jones, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan vice president of community affairs. "Every child deserves health care. Children who have health coverage are more likely to get preventive services, miss less school, and use less emergency care. As adults, they're healthier when they get a good start."

MIChild provides health and dental coverage for only $10 per month, no matter how many children are in a family. There are no copayments and no deductibles. To qualify, a child must be under age 19, have no comprehensive health insurance and live in Michigan.

To get an application for MIChild, families may dial 888-988-6300. Families may apply online at michigan.gov/michild, or at local health departments and many community agencies.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit organization, provides and administers health benefits to more than 4.6 million members residing in Michigan in addition to members of Michigan-headquartered groups who reside outside the state.