News & Updates

Kids Care Fest offered one-stop for healthcare services for hundreds of local children and families

December 7, 2017 General

2017 Kids Care Fest, (photo credit: David Zumaya)

The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) provided hundreds of free health screenings and services at its recent Kids Care Fest, where several families discovered preventable health conditions and as a result connected with providers for future care.

Held at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds in October, this year’s Kids Care Fest featured a variety of health care services from seven local community clinics. Services included vision, dental, and blood glucose screenings as well as flu shots, Hepatitis A shots, and children’s wellness checkups. More than 200 dental screenings were provided to both children and adults, along with 120 flu shots, nearly 100 vision screenings, and dozens of other wellness checkups and services, according to GHD officials.

photo credit David Zumaya

Among the more than 550 children and adults who attended this year was “Cassi K.,” an East County native and mother of three young children who works as a certified nurse assistant.

“As a single mom who works a full-time job, it’s not easy to get the time to make sure your children get the proper healthcare, but today I found everything for my family in one place,” she said. “My boys loved the rock climbing and slides, and my daughter especially loved the pony rides. But, I was glad to take advantage of the healthcare services, plus spend time together as a family. We all had a lot of fun, but I was especially glad to hear the healthcare workers say that my children are doing fine.”

photo credit David Zumaya

Another local mother and East County native, “Elizabeth M.,” had her 4-year-old’s astigmatism discovered at the event while attending with her two young children.

“My daughter had never had her eyes checked until today. She has never said she couldn’t see something or things were blurry. But, I wanted to make sure. They told me she has a little bit of astigmatism in one of her eyes and to keep checking on it. Now, I am relieved and know what to do to keep my children healthy,” she said.

The event also offered health insurance coverage enrollment assistance, information on food assistance programs, and nutrition education. Additional free activities included rock climbing, inflatable obstacle course and pony rides, as well as safety demonstrations and displays from law enforcement and fire officials.

Healthcare partners supporting the event included Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Rady Children’s Hospital, Borrego Community Health Foundation, University of California at San Diego Eye Mobile for Children, La Maestra Community Health Centers, Family Health Centers of San Diego, Neighborhood Healthcare and the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency.

Other community partners supporting Kids Care Fest included El Capitan Stadium Association, Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, Optimist Club of Lakeside, Lakeside Union School District, Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club, KUSI-NEWS and 92.1 and Radio Latina 104.5-FM.

Visit our Facebook page to view this year’s event photo gallery.