Many a parent still chuckles over the office supply store commercial showing parents skipping happily through the store, gliding on shopping carts to the music of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Just the same, it can be a stressful time of the year with summer drawing to a close, and all the work to get the kids ready for school can be taxing.
The Berrien County Health Department will do its best to help parents with a multi-item check list of things to accomplish ahead of the first day of classes by hosting its 4th Annual “Back to School Bash.”
Beyond buying school supplies and new outfits, it is important to make sure the kids are healthy and ready to learn when getting back to the classroom.
Next Tuesday, August 27th, from 9am until 6pm the Berrien County Health Department will host their “bash” at the main office located at 2149 E. Napier Avenue in Benton Harbor to help parents get their kids ready for a healthy school year.
The Health Department will provide free hearing and vision screenings, immunizations required for school entry, healthy snacks, activities and giveaways for kids of all ages, as well as information about such things as:
- WIC
- Parenting education classes
- Health insurance assistance
- Many other programs and services that can benefit families in Berrien County
Representatives from local law enforcement will be at the event to continue building positive relationships between police departments and the community, allowing kids the opportunity to see inside police cars and a fire truck. Other community agencies, such as the Berrien County Great Start Collaborative, the Lions Club Project KidSight, and Michigan Child ID will also be in attendance.
Nicki Britten is Health Officer for Berrien County. She says, “The Berrien County Health Department is happy to help make the transition easier, happier and healthier for parents and kids during this back to school season. We know that it can be a busy and stressful time for everyone.”
In order to help keep children healthy and make sure they are ready to learn, Michigan state law requires that children receive certain immunizations before entering school. Additionally, children entering preschool and Kindergarten are required to have their hearing and vision screened. Parents can find more information about these school requirements and the Back to School Bash online at the link below, or by calling 269-926-7121. Here’s the link: http://www.bchdmi.org
