There’s a blitz going on in Washington Parish, and children’s health care is at stake.

Officials with LaCHIP (Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program) are spreading throughout the parish in an effort to sign parents and their children up for “no-cost or low cost” health insurance through Medicare.

About 10 percent of all children in Washington Parish are not insured medically, said Sylvia H. Gorden, the Northshore LaChip coordinator. That makes this parish tops in the state for uninsured children, she said, adding the state average is 7 percent.

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LaCHIP can cover health coverage for children whose parents work, but cannot afford health insurance. The program pays for doctor visits, prescriptions, hospitalizations, immunizations, dental, vision and other needs.

Program officials will be on hand offering information in Bogalusa at the Job Center on Avenue B and Social Security Office on Memphis Street from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today through Friday. On Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., officials will be at the Winn Dixie stores in Bogalusa and Franklinton, as well as Sears in Bogalusa, Fred’s in Franklinton and Creel’s Pharmacy in Pine.

“We’ll be there to do on-site eligibility,” Gorden said, and answer questions on other Medicaid programs.

Folks can also swing by the Washington Parish Medicaid Office, 521 Ontario Avenue in Bogalusa, at any time to apply for the program.

People may also apply online at www.lachip.org or call 1-877-252-2447 for more information.