Kids 1st Health Fair returns

Kids 1st Health Fair will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Miguel Juarez Middle School, 207 N. Butrick St., Waukegan. The fair has provided free immunizations and other health services to low-income Lake County children since 1993, but it is evolving in response to new federal guidelines. While school-aged children will receive the usual immunizations and screenings, organizers will assist parents and legal guardians in transitioning to medical homes to seek routine preventive care and treatment in the future. "Under the Affordable Care Act, more comprehensive health care is now available for our residents and children," said Tony Beltran, executive director of the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center, which co-sponsors the event. "We believe the most valuable service the fair can provide is to encourage residents to address their entire family's needs by establishing trusted long-term relationships with health care professionals." Representatives from local health care providers will be available to discuss services and explain how to access those services under the Affordable Care Act.