Children's Health Fair at Blackburn Health Center
Saturday, July 11
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 11, Blackburn Health Center will host a free children's health fair featuring sports physicals, immunizations and exciting children’s games. The annual Randall S. Smith Jr. Children's Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blackburn Health Center, 2700 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Indianapolis. The event will also feature a college fair with representatives on hand from various universities.
Healthcare professionals will be available 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.
Featured screenings and information booths will include dental services provided by the Marion County Health Department CornerStone Diabetes & Medical Supplies, Wishard Health Services and eye exams provided by Prevent Blindness Indiana. In addition, WIC and Covering Kids and Families will have educational booths on various programs. For the fourth straight year, bone marrow registration and education will also be offered throughout the day. Fair participants will also be able to donate blood to the Indiana Blood Bank.
Randall S. Smith Jr., a 14 year old patient at Blackburn 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 IU School of Medicine Pediatric Student Interest Group, IUMG, Monarch Beverage Company, MDwise, Teamsters Local 135 and Wishard Health Services. Donations have been made by Steak n Shake, McDonalds, Target, Wonder Bread and Mead Johnson. Refreshments will be provided by Teamsters Local 135.
Blackburn 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) 931-4306.