Inova Partnership for Healthier Kids Offering Free School Physicals

Uninsured Children to Receive Immunizations, Schools Supplies

Falls Church, VA  – (July 30, 2009) – Inova Health System’s Partnership for Healthier Kids, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, is providing free physicals and immunizations to uninsured students in Northern Virginia. Children who attend these events will receive a physical exam, immunizations and school supplies, enabling them to start school on time, healthy and ready to learn.

To enroll in school, Virginia law requires proof of a recent physical examination, as well as up-to-date immunizations for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps and rubella. For specific age groups, Hepatitis B and Varicella (chicken pox) vaccines are required. Over the past five years, Inova Partnership for Healthier Kids and the Fairfax County Health Department has provided more than 2,000 free school physicals to uninsured students.

Health screenings and immunizations for area students will be available at the following locations:

August 8
8am-noon
Mt. Vernon Health Department
8350 Richmond Hwy.
Alexandria, VA 22309

August 15
8am-noon
Springfield Health Department
8136 Old Keene Mill Rd.
Springfield, VA 22152

Space is limited and appointments are required. To make an appointment, call 703-698-2550. Inova Partnership for Healthier Kids will also have staff on hand to help uninsured parents find a source of primary care for their children’s healthcare needs.

Inova’s other community partners in this initiative include Fairfax County Public Schools, Anthem Health Keepers, Greater Springfield Communities of Faith, Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, Fort Belvoir and the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on Inova’s support of its community through Partnership for Healthier Kids, InovaCares Clinic for Children and Congregational Health Partnership, as well as other programs, visit inova.org/community.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.