Omega Ministries/Omega Healthy Practices and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will host the annual Back to School Family Affair Saturday, July 13, offering free medical screenings, services, mental health resources and information, and immunizations to local students and their families in preparation for the upcoming school year.
The event, in its 31st year, will be held at the UTHSC Student-Alumni Center at 800 Madison Avenue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Backpacks filled with supplies will be given to the first 500 children with a parent or guardian present. Free bikes will also be given away on a first come, first served basis. Last year, 625 children received services.
The medical screenings and services will be provided by qualified health care professionals and students from organizations and institutions including UTHSC, Baptist Memorial Hospital, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Safe Kids Mid-South, Regional One Health, the Brian Callies Foundation, Vitalant, the UTHSC Hamilton Eye Institute, the Shelby County Health Department, Church Health, The Memphis Medical Society, Bluff City Medical Society, Firestone Dental, and many others.
“We look forward to this annual event because ensuring that children and teens within our community are prepared for school is a small role we hope to play in influencing their educational journey of success,” said Pam Houston, director of Special Events and Community Affairs at UTHSC. “Avoiding delays in registering for school and the confidence gained when each child walks through the classroom with the necessary supplies can influence an experience that drives them further than one can imagine. We are honored to partner with Omega Ministries in the plan to positively influence our children.”
Various immunizations and lead testing will be offered to students from pre-school age to 18, including entering college freshmen. While the primary focus is to ensure school-age children receive shots and exams, there are services offered for all age groups.
.Updated shot records are required to receive any immunizations. Free preschool physical exams, children’s dental services, and sports physicals required for student athletes will also be given by licensed health care professionals. Student athletes must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and bring the required examination documents provided by the school’s athletic department.
For more information, contact UTHSC Special Events and Community Affairs at 901.448.2704.