Omega Ministries/Omega Healthy Practices and the Healthcare Organizations of Greater Memphis Coalition will host the annual Back to School Family Affair Saturday, July 14, at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), offering free medical screenings, services, and immunizations to local students in advance of the new school year.
Now in its 30th year, the event will be held at the UTHSC Student-Alumni Center at 800 Madison Avenue from 8 a.m. to 12 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 serve basis.
Families attending will receive a host of medical screenings, services, and information provided by qualified health care professionals and students from organizations and institutions including the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, the UTHSC College of Dentistry, Baptist Memorial Hospital, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Regional One Health, Hamilton Eye Institute, Shelby County Health Department, Church Health, American Diabetes Association, Memphis Medical Society, Bluff City Medical Society, Firestone Dental, C.A.A.P., Inc., and many others.
The following free immunizations will be offered to students from pre-school age to 18 (including entering college freshmen): Hepatitis A and B, Meningococcal (Meningitis), MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), Tdap (ages 7 and above) and DTaP (ages 6 and under) (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) for ages 7 and above, Haemophilus Influenzae type B (HIB), Pneumococcal (PCV), IPV (Polio). While the primary focus is to ensure school-age children receive free 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 Jasper Shaw, event public relations committee chairman, at (901) 387-7398.