Preparing West Humboldt Park’s Children for a Healthy School Year
On July 27, The Salvation Army’s Freedom Center, in partnership with Rush University Medical Center and the Chicago Department of Public Health, hosted a free back-to-school health fair for children that brought needed relief to parents and likely saved the life of one young attendee.
Open to the public, the fair offered school and sports physicals, vision and hearing screenings, immunizations and school supplies. Children who attended also enjoyed food, games and prizes. Parents who attended were thrilled for these services that help promote their children’s health – and to receive them free of charge, as back-to-school expenses present extra challenges to families that are already struggling financially.
“This event brings together some of the best in medical care and social services in one place, in an effort to provide holistic services in a fun and caring environment to a traditionally underserved community,” said Major Nancy Powers, director of the Freedom Center. “It allows our neighbors to meet providers that they can receive services from . . . and if they wish, long term.”
This year’s annual event drew around 300 attendees from the West Humboldt Park neighborhood and likely saved the life of one young girl with asthma. Her oxygen levels were so low that they immediately took her to a booth that specialized in respiratory health, where a doctor put her on oxygen. He was so concerned, he had her rushed to the hospital through a 911 call, believing this saved her life.
The Freedom Center’s back-to-school health fair is part of The Salvation Army’s overall commitment to sending all children back to school healthy, fed, equipped with the needed supplies and ready to learn.
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