White Plains Groups to Host First Annual Children Health Fair

The following announcement was submitted by Frank Williams, executive director of the White Plains Youth Bureau.

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The Bethel Baptist Church, 1 Fisher Court, White Plains, NY, in collaborating with local community agencies to sponsor our first Children’s Health Fair on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Fair will provide health screenings, information and education, food, fun and games for children and their families. All children and youth who attend will receive prizes and free books thanks to White Plains Read.

A representative will also be available to discuss the Affordable Health Care Act with participants. Wellness and access to health care are important factors in helping children grow and reach their promise. In order to stay healthy, children need to have annual visits to the doctor that screen their vision and dental, and to check their overall medical wellbeing.

Families are facing pressure due to issues related to employment and housing. Because of these challenges many cut corners to meet their basic needs. Unfortunately, the results can have a negative impact on a child’s performance in school and contribute to long term health concerns that last into adulthood.

The Health Fair is designed to connect parents to the health resources that are available here in White Plains. Participating agencies include the Passage to Excellence Corporation, White Plains Youth Bureau, White Plains Cares Coalition, Lower Hudson Valley Prenatal Network, White Plains Hospital, Greenburgh Neighborhood Health Center, White Plains Housing Authority, White Plains Schools Food and Nutrition Program, New York Medical College, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital. The program is funded in part by the United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties.