Promise Community Health Center served more students than ever before for all four of the health services offered during its ninth annual Back-to-School Block Party on Wednesday, Aug. 1.
Well over 200 children were served at the event.
The children, their families and community members also enjoyed free food and interactive activities offered by about a dozen organizations in the back alley and parking lot behind Promise’s building for the block party.
Here’s a breakdown of the record numbers for the health screenings:
- 169 students – 39 more than last year – received low-cost school and sports physicals.
- 150 students – 38 more than last year – received free dental screens.
- 82 students – 29 more than last year – received free vision screens.
- 90 students – one more than last year – received free immunizations. A total of 223 immunizations were given to those students.
“We’re thrilled that so many families found this to be a valuable service again this year so that their children are adequately prepared for school,” said Derrick Vander Waal, public relations officer for Promise. “Not only did students receive required screening for school, but everyone had a great time at the block party.”
Promise appreciated the many area organizations that participated with various activities for the block party portion during the five-hour event: Community Health Partners of Sioux County, Seasons Center for Behavioral Health, Sioux Center Public Library, All Kids Can, Family Crisis Centers of Northwest Iowa, Sioux Center Police Department, Stepping Stones Preschool and UnitedHealthcare.
KSOU Radio served a free hot dog meal. Culver’s served free lemon ice treats. Cinema 5 Theatres provided free popcorn.
In addition, Sioux Center Health did car-seat safety checks – making adjustments to ensure the seats were safely secured in vehicles and replacing car seats no longer in good condition with new ones. A $650 donation from the Sioux Center Kiwanis provided car seats for the event.
“The wonderful, interactive activities and great food truly made this event a great block party,” Vander Waal said. “We were so thankful for the participation of so many organizations that gave of their time and resources.”
Promise gave away about 250 drawstring bags with school and health supplies to students, thanks in large part to a $500 grant from the Walmart Foundation, via the Sioux Center store. Delta Dental also donated toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss for the bags.
Area political officials visited and toured Promise during the block party: Iowa Rep. Skyler Wheeler of Orange City; Jerry Self, regional director from the Sioux City office of U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst; and J.D. Scholten, candidate for Congress in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. Scholten also was accompanied by California Congressman Eric Stalwell, who was touring western Iowa with Scholten.
“Thank you to all who came to our block party,” Vander Waal said. “We hope to see you all again next year at an even bigger and better event.”
TO SEE PHOTOS:
To get a better feel for what the event was like, check out the many photos on Promise’s Facebook page. This post shows the block party activities, and another post shows the health screenings.
