Children's Health & Safety Fair

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Children’s Health and Safety Fair McHenry County, IL Population: 303,990 The Health Promotion Department of McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) created the McHenry County Children’s Health & Safety Fair with the goal of offering parents an opportunity to obtain important medical services for their children prior to the beginning of the new school year. The McHenry County Children’s Health & Safety Fair Coalition is comprised of 18 members from agencies and businesses in McHenry County. MCDH is an integral member of the Coalition, serving on both the Publicity and Health Services Committees. School Health Index statistics indicate that nearly 1 out of every 3 American children are obese or at risk of becoming obese. In addition, 25% of U.S. children age 2-5 are overweight. The fair provides a unique opportunity to reach both parents and children, and to provide them educational information on how to become and stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Low-cost vaccinations, physicals, and dental exams are offered at this annual event, in addition to education on health topics and resources for families. Nearly 40 agencies offer interactive booths at the fair, which provide education and fun for all. After visiting the booths, children receive a school supply box, which includes classroom items required by the schools. Children are also eligible for a drawing for one of two free bicycles and helmets, which are donated. The 2011 fair had 1,257 attendees. Of those, 442 were adults; 216 were children under age 5; and 599 were children age 5 and older. One hundred (100) preschool children received board books, and 850 children received school supply boxes. Immunizations were administered to 133 children, along with 109 physicals, and 104 dental exams.