Back to school health fair next week

Desert View Hospital is preparing to host the annual Back-to-School Health Fair in the coming week, giving community families access to no-cost health services as their children prepare to begin the new school year.

The hospital, in partnership with the NyE Communities Coalition and the Nye County School District, is inviting families to come to Desert View next weekend to receive no-cost immunizations, sports physicals and vision and dental screenings.

Last year more than 1,000 people attended the annual event and the partnering organizations were able to provide 268 immunizations, 105 vision checks and 50 dental screenings to local children.

In addition to the health screenings, multiple informational vendors, including members of several local schools, will be on hand as well to provide information for attending parents.

Although the event will be mostly health-centered, there will be other fun activities for families to enjoy together, too, including face painting, tours of a Mercy Air helicopter and a fire truck from Pahrump Fire and Rescue for children to see as well.

The Pahrump Rotary Club is also planning to provide hot dogs for attendees.

One of the activities event planners have said they are excited for families to experience this year is the texting and driving under the influence simulators the NyECC and Nye County Sheriff’s Office have partnered to bring to the health fair. The simulators will reportedly give individuals a chance to see just how dangerous it is to text behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

Desert View is also still seeking school supply donations to help the hospital reach its goal of providing free school supplies to 500 students at the event as well.

Donation bins have been set up across town in locations such as the hospital, room six of the NyECC and the Pahrump Chamber of Commerce.  

Donations will be accepted through Aug. 7 for those wishing to help their cause.

“We are excited to bring all of these wonderful services to the community at no cost to participants,” said Meagan Kowalski, the hospital’s marketing director. “This health fair is a great way to help so many in our town who otherwise would not be able to afford these services. We are deeply grateful to all of those who have stepped up to donate their time and skills to benefit the children of Pahrump. All of this is possible because of their generosity and desire to make a difference in our community.”

The health fair will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 10 at Desert View Hospital, located at 360 S. Lola Lane.

Vendor applications are still being accepted through Thursday, August 8. Any organization who wishes to participate can contact Kowalski at 775-751-7120 or meagan.kowalski@dvrmc.org.