Santa Barbara County holds first of three back-to-school health fairs this week in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department held the first in a series of back-to-school health fairs taking place this week in Santa Maria on Tuesday.
The event started at 11 a.m. at the Santa Maria Health Care Center and offered community members an opportunity to connect with 30 different local organizations that provide immigration resources, nutrition education, and mental health information.
This marks the fourth straight year Santa Barbara County has held the back-to-school health fair.
"We started this three years ago and it's a big hit," said Mouhanad Hammami, Santa Barbara County Health Director. "It's a big event that helps our families, our children that are going back to school for two reasons. One, catching up on their sports physicals and their immunizations and any health care needs that they might need. The other is we bring our partners and those community partners that can provide services that are needed for families, and we give giveaways, so it's a hit in every matter and every way that would support families as they prepare for their school year."
Two more back-to-school health fairs are scheduled this week in Lompoc on Wednesday and Santa Barbara on Thursday.
Children who attended were provided with free backpacks, school supplies and hygiene kits.
"It is so gratifying," said Hammami. "You hand a kid a backpack and see that smile if they he or she got the right color. We have a lot of support from other organizations giving them essential household items, and the mother or the grandmother or the family member that is accommodating that child is as happy as well!"
Last year, the County said the three fairs attracted 2,400 people, with an estimated 800 at each location.
On Wednesday, the second health fair will take place at Aug. 5 at Lompoc Health Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The third and final health fair is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Franklin Health Center in Santa Barbara from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All three back-to-school health fairs are free to attend.
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