IPS students get ready for school at health fair - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

It's back to school time for kids in Marion County.  First day of classes at IPS are Monday.

Of course, being prepared for schools doesn't just mean having the right supplies- a child's health is more important. The "Back-To-School" health fair hosted by Marion County Public Health Department was held Saturday to help families and students.

It was a lot of fun. But, there was also a purpose.

Doctor Virginia Cain with the Marion County Public Health Department says, "the difference about this event is that it is healthy."

School starts up for these IPS students next week. The back-to-school family day hosted by the Marion County Public Health Department made sure every single kid had the supplies they needed.

Tonya Johnson was glad to be able to save some money for her four boys, "Whooo! A lot. You go to Walmart and the prices are like WOW. It really helps a lot. And, the backpacks, the $25 backpacks, it helps a lot."

It's an uphill battle focusing on immunizations for the Department of Health. They start as early as age three and they go all the way up until 12th grade. Every child is required to get the shots and of course if they don't, that hurts the entire school community.

Dr. Virginia Cain says, "Schools will kick you out if you are not up to date with your immunizations unless you are update with your immunizations. We've had outbreak of chicken pox, measles so get your kids immunized."

Students could also get dental and vision screenings along with basic physicals. For the first time, echocardiograms were given on site, for free! 

Carol Lewis brought her 8th grade twins to have their hearts checked, "Hopefully, they will always put their health first. If they feel it is a problem, they will take the proper action right away to make sure their health is OK."

Anyone who was not able to make it to the health day can still find help through the Marion County Public Health Department, "If you don't have the have the money, we never turn you away."