Popular health fairs to provide free vaccinations, backpacks for kids | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
July 29, 2014
Nurses at last year’s “Back to School Health Fair” explained the results of children’s lead tests. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
Arrive early. Last year thousands waited in long lines to receive services during the fair at South Division High School, 1515 W. Lapham St. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
It’s almost “back to school” time for Milwaukee students, which means it’s time for “Back to School Health Fairs.”
The Milwaukee’s Health Department (MHD) will again host two events this year, on Aug. 8 at North Division High School, 1011 W. Center St., and Aug. 15 at Bradley Tech High School, 700 S. 4 St. The fairs provide students with school-required vaccinations, vision and dental screenings and lead testing, among other health-related services.
“Our Back-to-School Health Fairs offer families an opportunity to get their children ready for a healthy school year,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
Sponsors include the United Way of Greater Milwaukee, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Molina Health Care.
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The fairs, which run from 10a.m. to 3p.m., provide vital resources to residents to a city in which 30 percent of residents live in poverty.
Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be given to children with an up-to-date shot record or to those who receive lead testing or vaccinations at the fair.
“Ensuring that families have access to required vaccinations and health screenings is essential to keeping schools and our community healthy year round,” said Bevan K. Baker, commissioner of health for the health department.
Only 72 percent of MPS students met the minimum state requirement for required vaccinations in 2010, the most recent data available. Parents whose children do not comply with immunization requirements maybe fined up to $25 per day, and their child may be excluded from childcare or school, according to MHD.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian to be eligible for free school supplies or health services provided at the fair.