Lake County to host Kids 1st Health Fair

More than 2,000 children are expected to get immunizations, health screenings and other services at Lake County's annual Kids 1st Health Fair on Wednesday.

The program, sponsored by the Lake County Health Department, will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Juarez Middle School, 201 N. Butrick St., Waukegan.

It aims to provide children from needy families with the immunizations and screenings they need to attend school. More than 700 nurses, lab technicians, doctors, dentists and community volunteers will team up to provide the important services.

"Many parents in Lake County have lost their jobs and their health insurance, and so it is challenging for them to get required health screenings for their children in time for school deadlines in the fall," health department Executive Director Irene Pierce said.

Founded in 1993, the event is sponsored by the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and the United Way of Lake County. The fair has served an estimated 28,000 kids in that time.

Last year alone, 2,785 children got screenings and various treatments.

Immunizations, dental screenings, lead screenings, foot and shoe assessments, nutritional screenings and other services will be available.

Representatives from social service agencies will be on hand to talk to interested parents about child care, legal services, education, housing and other issues.

While supplies last, school-age kids who complete all required health services at the fair will receive new backpacks with age-appropriate school supplies. Preschoolers who participate will receive bags of supplies.

The fair is free and open to children whose families meet specific income guidelines. Parents must provide:

•Proof of Lake County residency, such as a current driver's license utility bill or public aid card.

•The child's immunization records.

•Their last two pay stubs or letters from employers indicating cash payment amounts, if they're employed.

•Their last two unemployment stubs, a dismissal letter from an employer or a statement from family or friends showing they're receiving assistance, if they're unemployed.

For more information, call the health department at (847) 377-8870.