Blackburn Community Health Center to host free health fair on Saturday, July 14
June 21, 2007
Contact: Todd Harper
Phone: 317-630-7808
Pager: 317-310-5972
Indianapolis, June 21, 2007 – As summer heats up, children will soon be preparing for the start of the school year. With the school year approaching, it is important for children to have regular medical checkups and screenings.
On Saturday, July 14, Blackburn Community Health Center will host a free children’s health fair featuring sports physicals, immunizations and exciting children’s games. The second 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 for all ages and sports physicals for junior high and high school students. 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 second 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, diabetes and nutrition education from IU Medical Group and Kid’s BMV will be at the health fair to make ID Cards for children. In addition, Indianapolis Public Schools, WIC and Covering Kids and Families will have educational booths on various programs. For the second straight year, bone marrow registration and education will also be offered throughout the day.
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 Health Network, IU Medical Group, Brightpoint America, MDwise, Wishard Health Services and Indianapolis Public Schools. Donations have also been made by Mead Consumer Products, Monarch Beverage Company, Sanofipasteur and Eagle Valley Meadows. There will be door prizes donated by the Indiana Pacers and the Indianapolis Colts. Refreshments will be provided by Teamsters Local 135.
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 (317) 931-4303.