According to Dallas County Medical Society Alliance Past President/Champion Sandy Secor,
“A Back- to-School Vaccine and Sports Physical Health Fair event is taking place on Saturday, August 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Ave., Dallas.
“I have been the Champion and leading organizer for free immunizations, sports physicals and dental screenings for low income students in the Uptown and East Dallas area for over 12 years.
“Church of the Incarnation, Dallas County Medical Society Alliance, Care Van, North Dallas Shared Ministries, Texas A&M Dental School and the Dallas Police Dept. participate in this event.
“The students from North Dallas High School, Spence Middle School and the surrounding elementary schools benefit from the free vaccines, free sports physicals and dental care. Physicians from DCMSA provide the sports physicals. The physicians are a diverse crowd, and include OBGYN, Cardiology, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology and even a transplant surgeon have volunteered their time to serve these students.
“The families are provided school supplies as they exit the event. This has been the last chance to get free childhood vaccines and sports physicals before school starts.
“This project is important to the students and families in the area. Students come from Roseland Homes, East Dallas and the surrounding areas. It is our privilege to serve them.
“Some of the students receiving these services are homeless. Church of the Incarnation has Incarnation House serving the homeless students at North Dallas High School.
“Sports physicals provide the student the ability to participate in athletics and band. It keeps them out of gangs and helps them excel in sports and other school activities.
“This year we provided sports physicals in May for around 160 students. We expect that many in August. Last year Care Van administered over 135 vaccines.
“We welcome school supply donations or monetary donations for this event. Checks can be sent to Church of the Incarnation. Donations of school supplies received after the Health Fair on Saturday, August 13, will be distributed to the school counselors and will be given to students who need them. Monetary donations will be used to offset the costs of materials/items for the sports physicals. Checks can be sent to Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75204, marked for the Health Fair.”