4th Annual Backpack Giveaway & Health Fair Connects Hundreds of Fort Wayne Families with School Supplies, Resources, and Support
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Bowen Health's 4th Annual Backpack Giveaway & Health Fair brought the community together last night, providing local families with much-needed school supplies, health resources, and community support as students prepare to return to the classroom. Bowen Health thanks its partners, CONNECT Allen County, CareSource, the Indiana Department of Health, and the Allen County Department of Health, for making the evening possible and for their shared commitment to caring for the community.
"We were so honored to bring this event back this year with the support of CareSource and our community partners at IDOH and ACDOH, who offered no-cost immunizations, screenings, and rapid lead testing," said Jayme Yates, Director of Community Engagement, Bowen Health – Allen County. "At Bowen Health, we provide compassionate care for mind and body, but there is often so much more our patients need from us, and this event was a small way to give back to the community we love and meet them where they are with the support they need. We served over 500+ individuals and helped them prepare for a successful school year ahead. One of our goals is to be seen as a trusted partner in the community, not only by other local organizations, but by our patients, as well."
Through the event's on-site partnerships, the following services were provided:
7 individuals were identified as needing immunizations, and additional immunization records were confirmed to be up to date
7 dental screenings
23 hearing screenings
6 rapid lead tests were performed, and additional families verified that lead testing had already been completed
4 appointments were scheduled for follow-up services
For many families, the cost of school supplies can create additional stress during an already busy season. By bringing together community organizations, volunteers, and supporters, Bowen Health and its partners helped ensure local students were better prepared to begin the school year with confidence.
One of the on-site partners was overheard saying, "This is what a community coming together looks like." They are right. The smiles on children's faces as they showed off their new backpacks and the connections families made with local resources are reminders of what is possible when a community comes together to support one another.
Bowen Health extends its gratitude to the many sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and staff members whose generosity and dedication helped make the event a success.
As the school year approaches, Bowen Health remains committed to supporting children and families through integrated healthcare services that address physical health, behavioral health, and overall well-being.