Back-to-School Summer Bash provides close to 1,000 students with free backpacks and immunizations!

CHRISTUS St. Mary’s and CHRISTUS Point of Light clinics held two free, family-oriented Back-To-School Summer Bash and Health Fairs in July and August. These events provided close to 1,000 students with backpacks and school supplies, immunizations, and sports physicals in an attempt to get low-income families in the community ready for the upcoming school year.

Various vendors, such as UT Dental and EyeCare for Kids, also attended the event offering children programs and games on nutrition, dental care, behavioral health, and provided vision screenings and a voucher for a free pair of glasses. The Houston Food Bank and City of Houston Parks and Recreation brought 200 healthy lunches for children in attendance. Attendees also enjoyed a presentation and tips on healthy eating and nutrition by CHRISTUS St. Mary’s Nutrition Health Educator, Teresa Rivera.

“We identified the need and came together to fill a void in health care services for the most vulnerable in the community.” said Nancy Bocanegra, Event Coordinator of the Back to School Summer Bash. ” Providing families with the essential health care services for a healthy head start to a new school year at no cost to them is a blessing. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our sponsors. Thank you!”

Due to high demand, CHRISTUS Point of Light Clinic will be hosting a second round of children’s immunizations and sports physicals on Wednesday, August 30th. CHRISTUS Healthy Living Mobile Clinic will be on-site providing FREE immunizations for children up to 18 years of age for the first 50 attendees and sports physicals for five dollars. CHRISTUS Point of Light will be asking for a $20.00 cash donation for college meningitis vaccines for students 19 years old and up.

These events are a response to the critical need for affordable, high-quality health care in many greater Houston communities. CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare has established and provides vital support and care through their clinics and their Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, keeping children healthy in and out of school.

Special thanks to our “Back-To-School Summer Bash” partners who helped make this possible:

Independent Bank

TPC Group

Amegy Bank of Texas

League City Rotary Club