The Back to School Bash exists to not only celebrate wellness for at-risk children and families in Kalamazoo’s most vulnerable neighborhoods, but also to incentivize at-risk parents to prepare their children for school with Well-Child exams, immunizations and dental screenings. Last year, over 1,500 children attended the event. Not only do these children receive their annual exams and immunizations, they will also receive much-needed backpacks and school supplies in order to gear up for the school year. Organizers also hope the event serves as a means to educate and support parents who are struggling with poverty, single parenthood, and a variety of stressors that put their families at risk. Back to School Bash’s primary goal is to prepare and ultimately keep children in school. Every year in our community, literally hundreds of children are discharged from school due to inadequate immunization status. These children are not allowed to return to school until they receive proper documentation. Due to office backlogs and last-minute requests for service, children who are already at risk are delayed several weeks thus placing them further behind in their learning. Our goal is to proactively get children immunized, prepared for school, and help keep them well in school.

www.fhckzoo.com