Lake County News

Large Numbers Expected at Kids First Fair

August 4th

9:00am - 7:00pm

Miguel Juarez Middle School

Kids Receive Free Acess to Healthcare, School Supplies and Backpacks

Planners of the Kids 1st Health Fair are anticipating more than 2,000 children this year as a result of the economy and the high unemployment rate. The 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 Wednesday, August 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Miguel Juarez Middle School, 201 N. Butrick in Waukegan.

"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," said Irene Pierce, the Health Department's Executive Director. "We're providing immunizations, dental screenings, physicals and much more at no cost and all in one visit, so parents don't have to schedule multiple appointments for their children. We greatly appreciate the community partnerships that make this event possible."

The Fair has served about 28,000 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 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. Today, more than 700 nurses, lab technicians, health aids, clerical staff, doctors, dentists, community residents, corporate employees and bilingual volunteers come together to help children of limited-income families receive the medical services they need. Last year the Fair served 2,785 children.

"The Kids 1st Fair is the ideal time to get immunizations and screenings that kids need for school," said Pierce. "Families that wait until the last minute to schedule appointments with their healthcare providers may find it hard to make timely appointments."

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 $40,792 would qualify for Fair services. Required services include dental screenings for children in preschool, kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grades, and physicals for children in Head Start, kindergarten, 6th and 9th grades. If a medical condition is found, referrals are made and the Health Department follows up on treatment.

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 make applications to AllKids, 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. Pre-schoolers will receive bags containing age appropriate items. School supplies will only be given while supplies last to families 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).
Child's immunization records.
If employed, last 2 pay stubs or letter from employer indicating cash payment amount.
If unemployed, last 2 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.

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