Austin Health Groups Schedule Back-To-School Events

AUSTIN, TX — Local health organizations are teaming up to host a pair of back-to-school events during the course of the next two weekends, officials said on Wednesday.

Organized in tandem by Central Health, CommUnityCare Health Centers and Sendero Health Plans, the events were timed in observance of National Health Center Week observed from Aug. 4-10. At two back-to-school events planned locally on Aug. 10 and Aug. 17, students will receive free immunizations, sports physicals, backpacks, school supplies and more.

Central Health-funded CommUnityCare, which is the largest system of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Travis County, will provide free immunizations on a first-come, first-served basis for children ages 4-18. As part of the Vaccine for Children Program, all vaccines are free and are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials cited statistics speaking to the need for vaccination: In Travis County, less than 67 percent of children ages 19-35 months have been fully vaccinated, health officials noted. This trails the overall rate in Texas (68 percent) and the nation (70 percent). For children living below the federal poverty level, that percentage falls to below 63 percent.

"We will also be offering free sports physicals," officials said in a press advisory. "These exams are required for all middle and high school students participating in athletics, cheerleading, and as of this year marching band. We encourage all students to take advantage of this service before school starts."

CommuniCare's Vice President of Health Center Advancement Matt Balthazar underscored the mission's critical importance, saying no one is ever turned away or denied care or immunization based on an inability to pay: “Since CommUnityCare was officially designated as an FQHC in 2001, we have provided health services like immunizations to people regardless of their insurance status,” he said. “This year, during National Health Center Week, we are celebrating the work of FQHC’s, while partnering with Central Health and Sendero to help children to go back-to-school vaccinated and equipped with school supplies.”

Health care professionals will be available on-site to review vaccinations and the health status of patients and determine which vaccines are needed for each student, officials noted. Parents are advised to bring their children’s immunization records. All attendees are eligible to receive all services offered, as well as backpacks and school supplies - while supplies last.

WHAT

In honor of National Health Center Week and back-to-school, the community is invited to two events in North and South Austin. The Central Health Enterprise will give away school backpacks, prizes, provide information about other resources, immunizations, and more.

WHEN/WHERE

• South Austin 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis Dr.
• North Austin 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019 North Central Health Center, 1210 W. Braker Lane.

WHO

Central Health, CommUnityCare Health Centers, Sendero Health Plans.Central Health President & CEO Mike Geeslin, CommUnityCare CEO Jaeson T. Fournier.

ABOUT CENTRAL HEALTH

Central Health is the local public agency that connects Travis County residents with low income to quality health care. We work with a network of partners to eliminate health disparities and reach our vision of Travis County becoming a model healthy community.