As many as 17,000 of Florida\u2019s children will get access to healthcare this summer when the state\u2019s KidCare subsidized insurance program lifts its five-year wait period for legal immigrants. The new policy, signed into law by Governor Scott last month, is welcome news for parents in Miami-Dade, which (according to the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute) has the highest county-wide rate of uninsured children in Florida \u2013 and the seventh-highest in the nation.<\/p>\n
Vance A. Aloupis, Miami Fellows Class VI alumnus and newly appointed CEO of The Children\u2019s Movement of Florida, advocated for the bill\u2019s passing for several legislative sessions. Aloupis, 32, who helped launch the Movement six years ago, has made it his mission to make Florida \u201cthe best state in the nation for young children.\u201d Next month, The Miami Foundation, in partnership with Philanthropy Miami, will recognize Aloupis with the 2016 Ruth Shack Leadership Award. Each year, the award honors an individual under 40 who reflects ethical leadership, dedication and service to Greater Miami, qualities embodied by the Foundation\u2019s President Emeritus Ruth Shack.<\/p>\n
\u201cVance is an excellent example of what young leaders can accomplish when we identify their potential, hone their talent, then position them to tackle big issues,\u201d said Javier Alberto Soto, president and CEO of The Miami Foundation.\u00a0 \u201cLike Ruth did for human rights throughout her career, he has turned his passion into a movement, galvanizing thousands in support of investing in our children.\u00a0 He has truly become the civic change he wants to see.\u201d<\/p>\n