Waukegan school fair helps kids get health care
Juarez Middle School was transformed into an all-purpose health care facility on Wednesday as the Kids 1st Health Fair provided state-required health services for more than 2,000 children.
Volunteers at the Waukegan event provided immunizations, physical examinations and dental screenings before the start of the school year for families who met specific income guidelines.
"Many parents in Lake County have lost their jobs and their health insurance and so it is challenging for them to get required health screening for the children in time for school deadlines," said Irene Pierce, executive director of the Lake County Health Department.
Dental screening is required for children in preschool, kindergarten, second and sixth grades, and physicals for children in Head Start, kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades.
"You can imagine what it would be like running around trying to get them before the deadline," said Leslie Piotrowski, spokeswoman of the health department.
More than 700 nurses, doctors, dentists, lab technicians, health aids, clerical staff and community members and translators volunteered at the event.
"As soon as they put up the notice for volunteers at Abbott (Labratories) I signed up right away," said Ericka Rivera, who was working a double shift as a translator. Rivera said there is a large need for translators at the event because a large portion of participants speak Spanish.
Joe Goecke, who brought his daughter to the event for a sports physical exam, said there was not a long wait and he appreciated the convenience.
The health fair started in 1993 and has served 27,874 children over the years. In 2009 a record 2,785 children attended, which Piotrowski said she expects was due to the economy.
Children who received services at the event also were given school supplies, a new backpack and free books on their way out.
The fair was sponsored by the Lake County Health Department, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and United Way.