Hospital hosts ‘Back to School Health Fair’ on Saturday

Parents of new or returning students in the Nye County School District need to know two things this year — the start of the fall semester is less than a month away, and the Desert View Hospital Back to School Health Fair is coming up this Saturday at the facility from 9 a.m. to noon.

Desert View Hospital Marketing Director Megan Kowalski said the facility is preparing once again for the annual “one-stop-shop” health fair where most of the valuable services provided are free of charge for local residents including must-have vaccinations.

“The kids can get their immunizations this Saturday, while Health Care Partners will be here to do the physicals for kids participating in sports. A dental group from Las Vegas called Future Smiles will provide dental screenings while Dr. Leaks’ office does the vision screenings. We also have Affiliated Physical Therapy coming in to do scoliosis screenings which is something new this year,” she said.

According to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, state law dictates that a child may not be enrolled in a public, private, or charter school within Nevada until the child has been vaccinated.

Excluded are those who have certain religious beliefs or medical conditions.

Additionally, Kowalski said a large contingent of vendors will also be present with information relative to parents and children, including representatives from the Nye County School District and the transportation department.

Last year’s Back to School Health Fair drew close to 1,000 people.

The marketing director said she hopes the hospital will draw large crowds again this year.

“We are excited to bring all of these wonderful services to the community at no cost to participants. 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,” she said.

As always with the annual event, Kowalski said students can also gather much needed items for school on Saturday.

“School supplies will also be distributed while supplies last, but children must be present in order to pick up any of the supplies. Other activities include face painting, tours of a Mercy Air helicopter, and Pahrump Fire and Rescue will have a fire truck set up for children to look at as well. Pahrump Rotary Club will also be giving out hot dogs,” she said.

Desert View Hospital is located at 360 South Lola Lane.

The back to school health fair is co-sponsored by NyE Communities Coalition and the Nye County School District.