Lake Co. kids health fair sees many new faces

A line of more than 1,000 people snaked around Miguel Juarez Middle School in Waukegan Wednesday morning.

Moms with multiple kids in tow, many holding umbrellas for shade, were waiting to receive free immunizations, dental screenings, physical exams, school supplies and more at the annual Kids 1st Health Fair.

Now in its 17th year, the social service event is sponsored by the Lake County Health Department, Rosalind Franklin University and the United Way of Lake County.

It was a first-time experience for many of those folks.

Health officials expected this year's event to have larger than average attendance, and the sagging economy is the obvious reason.

"More families in Lake County are facing hardships this year than in the past," health department Executive Director Irene Pierce said in a news release. "More parents are out of work and have lost their health insurance. This fair is a convenient and economical way for parents to meet a variety of the health needs for their children that are required for entrance into school."

Health department spokeswoman Leslie Piotrowski said nearly 2,500 students attended this year. That's up from 1,650 last year. "This is a significant increase and close to what we anticipated," she said. "We also increased the number of volunteers from 600 last year to 700 this year."

The Garcias of Round Lake may be typical of the many families seeking first-time help. They waited for more than an hour in line before getting into the school.

"I lost my job in May," Lia Garcia said. "I was a machine operator, and we have three kids. This is helping us a lot."

Samantha Barnes of North Chicago, another newcomer, has four children, including two who are school age. She's seen her work hours cut dramatically this year and says she's grateful for the help.

"I'm a waitress and I'm just not getting enough hours," she said. "My husband is on disability. That makes it even harder. Being able to get everything done, like the shots, in one day is really helpful."

Children in grades kindergarten through ninth from qualifying families received help. Officials said a family of four with a gross income of $40,792 or less would qualify. More than 25,000 kids have been helped since the event started in 1993.

Staff and volunteers said the effects of the recession are obvious this year.

"I've worked the fair for the last four years and have never seen this many people," said health department media specialist Tiffany Bonk. "We usually have a lull around the lunch hour, but that's not happening today."

Parking lot safety volunteer Sheila Stephens said this is the biggest crowd in the six years she's been working it. "The lines are far longer, but at least the weather is decent," she said.