Campaign Overview

Every child deserves to start the school year healthy, equipped, and confident. The Health Initiative’s 2023 Back-to-School Health & Wellness Campaign provided free health screenings, required immunizations, vision and dental care, school supplies, and mental health support to students from low-income families.

Comprehensive School Readiness Services

Physical Health Screenings

• Complete well-child checkups (height, weight, BMI, vital signs)
• Required school physical examinations
• Sports physicals for student athletes
• Hearing screenings
• Scoliosis screenings for middle school students
• Nutrition counseling for overweight/underweight students

Immunizations

• All required school vaccines (Tdap, MMR, Varicella, etc.)
• Catch-up immunizations for students behind schedule
• Flu shots for all students
• COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
• HPV vaccines for eligible students
• Vaccine record documentation for school enrollment

Vision Care

• Comprehensive vision screenings
• Follow-up eye exams for students failing screenings
• Free eyeglasses (frames and lenses) for students who need them
• Contact lens options for teen athletes
• Referrals to ophthalmologists for complex issues

Dental Health

• Oral health screenings
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss kits
• Dental sealant applications for cavity prevention
• Fluoride treatments
• Referrals to dentists for needed treatment
• Education on proper brushing and nutrition for oral health

Mental Health Support

• Mental health and emotional wellness screenings
• Anxiety and depression screening for teens
• Referrals to school counselors and mental health services
• Parent education on supporting student mental health
• Resource guides for youth mental health crisis support
• Information on school-based counseling services

School Supplies & Essentials

• Backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies
• Notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, crayons, markers
• Calculators for middle and high school students
• Art supplies for elementary students
• Hygiene kits for middle and high school students
• Reusable water bottles

Additional Support

• Referrals to food assistance programs for families in need
• Connection to after-school programs
• Information on free/reduced lunch programs
• Transportation assistance information
• Winter clothing (coats, boots) for students who need them

Who We Served

Students K-12 from low-income families, uninsured or underinsured children, recent immigrants, students experiencing homelessness, foster children, and any student whose family couldn’t afford school health requirements or supplies.

Community Partnerships

We partnered with school districts, community centers, libraries, churches, and local businesses to reach families. Schools helped identify students in need. Volunteer healthcare providers donated time. Local opticians provided discounted eyeglasses.

Campaign Impact (August-September 2023)

• 2,400+ students received health screenings
• 1,850+ immunizations administered
• 600+ vision screenings conducted
• 180+ pairs of eyeglasses provided
• 800+ dental screenings completed
• 350+ mental health screenings and referrals
• 2,400+ backpacks with school supplies distributed
• 400+ students received additional winter clothing
• 300+ volunteers contributed 2,500+ hours

Events & Locations

• 8 community health fair events across the county
• 5 school-based health days
• 4 weekend clinics at community centers
• Mobile clinic visits to 6 neighborhoods
• Walk-in services at main clinic

How Funds Were Used

• 30% – Immunizations and vaccines
• 25% – School supplies and backpacks
• 20% – Vision care (screenings, exams, eyeglasses)
• 15% – Dental supplies and screenings
• 10% – Staffing for events, volunteer coordination, outreach

Campaign Results: EXCEEDED GOAL

Goal: $75,000 | Raised: $83,900 (112% of goal)

Support from 520+ individual donors, corporate sponsors (office supply companies, optical chains, dental practices), foundation grants, and school district partnerships allowed us to exceed our goal and serve 400+ more students than initially planned.

Success Stories

“My daughter was squinting at the board at school and getting headaches. I couldn’t afford an eye exam or glasses. Now she has glasses and she’s so happy she can see clearly. Her grades are already improving!” – Parent

“I needed vaccines to start middle school but my family doesn’t have insurance. The Health Initiative gave me all my shots for free. Now I’m starting school on time with my friends.” – 11-year-old student

“As a teacher, I see students come to school unprepared because families can’t afford supplies. This program ensures every child in my class has what they need to learn. It levels the playing field.” – Elementary teacher

Academic Impact

Schools reported that students who received services:

• Had fewer absences in the first semester
• Participated more in class (especially students who received eyeglasses)
• Exhibited better focus and behavior
• Showed improved academic performance

Annual Program

Back-to-School Health & Wellness is now an annual program. We partner with schools year-round to identify students in need and provide ongoing support throughout the school year.