Kids 1st Health Fair helps keep vaccine rates high

Over the last several years, Lake County has seen a resurgence of pertussis (whooping cough) cases, while other areas in the United States have seen increases in measles. These are childhood illnesses that are preventable through vaccination.

One way in which vaccination rates of children are remaining high in Lake County is through the annual Kids 1st Health Fair. This year's fair, which is sponsored by the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, and United Way of Lake County, will take place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Miguel Juarez Middle School, 201 N. Butrick in Waukegan.

"Students need to be ready to hit the ground running when the first day of school arrives and the health services provided at the fair help make that happen," said Roycealee Wood, Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools. "Without the completion of certain health requirements, a student could be excluded from attending school."

With the philanthropic leadership of The Abbott Fund, the fair has served nearly 30,000 children altogether since its inception in 1993. Prior to that year, many children in Lake County were failing to receive required health services in time for school deadlines. The health department worked with local businesses and agencies to coordinate a group of physicians, health care providers and others willing to volunteer their time and provide the services at a one-day event. More than 700 nurses, lab technicians, health aids, clerical staff, doctors, dentists, community residents, corporate employees and bilingual volunteers come together annually to help children of limited-income families receive the medical services they need. Last year, state medical and dental compliance rates in Waukegan public schools alone were 99 percent.

"The Kids 1st Fair is the ideal time to get immunizations, dental screenings, physicals and other health services for kids all in one place and all in one visit," said Irene Pierce, the Health Department's Executive Director. "It keeps parents from having to schedule multiple appointments with different healthcare providers for their children."

The fair is free for Lake County families who meet specific income guidelines. For example, a family of four with a gross income limit of $41,348 would qualify for fair services. State required services provided at the fair include dental screenings for children in preschool, kindergarten, second and sixth grades, physicals for children in Head Start, kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades, and immunizations for children entering preschool, kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades. If a medical condition is found, referrals are made and the health department or another provider follows up.

The fair offers considerable savings for eligible families. For a child at the full-pay level, school supplies combined with the cost of a physical, dental exam, and two vaccinations at the Lake County Health Department would be $228.

In addition to meeting state of Illinois preschool and school health requirements, the fair provides a variety of other health screenings, including lead and hemoglobin. Families can also submit applications to All Kids, a health insurance program for children. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is offering foot and shoe assessments, physical therapy, backpack fittings and nutrition screenings.

Upon evidence of completion of all required health services, school age children will receive free books, a new backpack and age-appropriate school supplies. School supplies will only be given while supplies last to children who qualify for and receive at least one of the required medical services.

Additionally, a variety of social service agencies are represented at the fair to provide families with information on issues such as child care, crisis intervention, education, health services, housing, employment, parenting, substance abuse, legal services, safety, family counseling and other community services. One of the goals of the fair is to encourage families to become better health service users as they learn more about health systems available to them.

A few requirements must be met for families to receive services through the fair. They are as follows:

-- Proof of Lake County residency (current driver's license, utility bill or Public Aid card).

-- The immunization record for each child receiving services.

-- If employed, last two pay stubs or letter from employer indicating cash payment amount.

-- If unemployed, last two unemployment stubs, dismissal letter from employer, or statement from family/friends providing current assistance.

For more information, please contact Deb Warner with the Lake County Health Department at (847) 377-8870.