First Annual Children's Health Fair Offers Free Immunizations and Sports Physicals
July 25, 2005
Contact: Todd Harper
Phone: 317-630-7808
Pager: 317-310-5972
Indianapolis, July 25, 2006 – As the start of the school year quickly approaches, it is important for children to have regular medical checkups and screenings.
On Saturday, August 12, Blackburn Community Health Center will host a free children’s health fair featuring sports physicals, immunizations and exciting children’s games. The first annual Randall S. Smith Jr. Children’s Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blackburn Community Health Center, 2700 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Indianapolis.
Healthcare professionals will be on hand to answer questions and provide free immunizations and sports physicals. The sports physicals will last until 1 p.m. Parents are asked to bring their children’s immunization records. In addition to free health screenings and information, games, food and music will also be part of the day’s activities.
“With the start of the school year just around the corner, the first annual Randall S. Smith Jr. Children’s Health Fair offers an excellent opportunity for children to get the healthcare and information they need,” said Dr. John Kunzer, a pediatrician at Blackburn Community Health Center. "We hope the public comes out and enjoys the free food, games and music, and at the same time takes advantage of the wonderful services that will be available at Blackburn Community Health Center."
Featured screenings and information booths will include dental services provided by the Marion County Health Department, WIC, Covering Kids and Families, Purdue Extension, Indianapolis Fire Department, diabetes and nutrition education from IU Medical Group, Indianapolis Public Schools and bone marrow registration and education as well as bicycle safety provided by Riley Hospital for Children. In addition, the first 300 children at the health fair will receive a $5 gift coupon for school supplies at Staples, 617 W. 11th Street.
Randall S. Smith Jr., a 14 year old patient at Blackburn Community Health Center, passed away on June 8, 2006 from a combined form of blood cancer (leukemia/lymphoma). Randall was an inspiration to others as he fought his illness with courage while always keeping a positive attitude. He never complained, instead he worried more about how his illness affected his family. Prior to his death, Randall made his mom promise to always try and help other children.
Sponsors for the Randall S. Smith Jr. Children’s Health Fair include The Blackburn Youth Network, IU Medical Group, Bright Point, MDwise, Wishard Health Services and Indianapolis Public Schools. Donations have also been made by Mead Johnson, Kroger and Staples.
The Blackburn Community Health Center, one of eight Wishard community health centers, provides healthcare services including primary care, family planning, social and dental services. For more information about the health fair, please call at (317) 931-4303.