BANGOR – More than a dozen local organizations are teaming up to present a health and safety party this month at Cascade Park as part of Maine’s Covering Kids and Families Campaign back-to-school effort.

The event, from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, will feature a range of activities, including educational demonstrations, games, music, prizes and contests, as well as information on MaineCare, formerly known as Cub Care and Medicaid, and other free community services.

The event is aimed at getting applications for MaineCare into the hands of the eligible families.

An estimated 18,950 Maine children do not have health insurance, according to campaign officials. More than half, or about 10,800, are eligible for coverage but remain unenrolled. The back-to-school campaign is aimed at reaching them.

Through MaineCare, children in a family of four with an annual income up to $36,000 can qualify for comprehensive coverage offered through the state. Depending on a family’s annual income, coverage is either free or available for monthly premiums ranging from $5 to $40.

Families who earn more than the income cutoffs are encouraged to apply because they might find themselves eligible after deductions for such expenditures as child care, care for an incapacitated adult in the household and child support.

The campaign, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is a collaboration of Consumers for Affordable Health Care, the Maine Children’s Alliance, the Maine Primary Care Association and the Maine Equal Justice Partners.

For more information about MaineCare, call the campaign toll-free at 1-800-965-7476 or Penquis CAP at 973-3577 or 973-3573.