Vaccines, physicals offered at back-to-school event

Jul. 11—It has been two years since the launch of the OSF Care-a-van, a mobile health unit serving Vermilion County. In the coming weeks, the van will be available at events planned for the community.

On July 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., OSF and Danville Police will host a mini marathon and fun day at Friendly Town, a space for kids at Lincoln Park, 1000 N. Logan Ave. The event will include inflatables, games, food trucks and a chance for parents to learn about local resources to keep their kids safe and healthy. Entry for the mini marathon is free, but registration is required.

On Aug. 1, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., OSF will collaborate with the Vermilion County Health Department and other community groups for a back to school bash at the health department's headquarters, 200 S. College St. Providers on the OSF Care-a-van will offer physical exams and vaccinations, fulfilling a critical need for kids entering Kindergarten and sixth and ninth grades. Catch-up immunizations will also be available for kids 16 and up. OSF pediatricians will conduct the physicals, while health department staff will give the vaccines.

Other groups expected at the back to school bash include Birth to Five Illinois, CRIS Healthy Aging senior services, Fair Hope Children's Ministry, iGrow of Vermilion County, Kruger's ATA Martial Arts and Project Success of Vermilion County. Residents can also pick up donated food, formula and diapers courtesy of the Illinois Soybean Growers and Senator Paul Faraci's office.

"The OSF Care-a-van has reached hundreds of people, young and old, over the last two years, offering things like blood pressure screening and advice on healthy habits for kids. We're excited to continue to plan for the future and offer more services, like physicals and other screenings, on the Care-a-van," said Mia Harrier, program manager for community health at OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville. "We know getting to the hospital or clinic can be tough. So, we want to meet Vermilion County residents and businesses where they are, build relationships and get people on the road to better health."

The OSF Care-a-van was made possible by adonation fr om the Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation.