Kids Care Fest in La Mesa offers free health screenings for children

The 2014 Kids Care Fest, a free, family-oriented event open to the public featuring free health care screenings, will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Now in its 13th year, Kids Care Fest is presented by the Grossmont Healthcare District, La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation and the City of La Mesa.

Organizers expect more than 1,000 children will receive free, potentially life-saving, health care screenings, including hearing, vision and dental screenings, from healthcare  professionals.

Also available at the event will be free medical information from pediatricians, dermatologists and pharmacists, along with free kids fingerprinting from the La Mesa Police Department and La Mesa Rotary Club.

Additional free activities will include water safety, inflatables and pony rides, along with demonstrations and displays from law enforcement, including police and fire officials. Pony rides will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (100 pound limit for riders).

Kids Care Fest is a smoke‑free event. Free parking will be available at Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Brier Patch campus at 9000 Wakarusa St. and Grossmont Medical Arts Building at 8851 Center Dr. For more information, phone (619) 825‑5050 or visit www.KidsCareFest.org.