Thursday, August 04, 2011
Physicals and Immunizations Offered to Youth in Need
Charlotte, NC – A new school year will be starting soon, and with it comes a list of to-do’s, such as learning the bus schedule and buying supplies. Amidst all the chaos, however, it’s important not to forget about immunizations and physicals.
For the fourth year, the Presbyterian Hospital Community Care Cruiser is offering Big Shot Days to make it possible for un- and underinsured children under the age of 18 to get required immunizations right on time to start the next school year and avoid being excluded from class. New this year, the Cruiser will also offer several Physical Days to allow children to have a comprehensive wellness check before starting the new school year.
The Cruiser, a 40-foot long doctor’s office on wheels, and its dedicated medical team will offer Back-to-School Days on the following dates this summer:
Physical Days
- August 19, Charlotte Community Health Clinic, 6900 Farmingdale Ave.
- September 16, Charlotte Community Health Clinic, 6900 Farmingdale Ave.
Big Shot Days
- August 29, Steele Creek AME Zion, 1600 Shopton Rd.
- September 10, Warehouse 242, 2307 Wilkinson Blvd.
- September 26, New Beginnings Community Church, 7027 Stillwell Rd.
Big Shot Day and Physical Day
- September 29, Our Lady of Guadalupe, 6212 Tuckaseegee Rd.
The Cruiser will be open from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 3 p.m. each day. Parents and their children are welcome to stop by without an appointment, but families are encouraged to bring immunization records if available. To brighten the day for the young patients seen on the Cruiser, each child who gets a shot will receive a special treat.
“These Back-to-School Days are a great opportunity for families to get the necessary immunizations for their children who otherwise run the risk of being excluded from the next school year,” said LeeAnne Broadway, program coordinator for the Cruiser. “We know how difficult it is to get health care when your child is un- or underinsured, and we believe that all children, regardless of ability to pay, should have access to the care they need.”
In addition to Back-to-School Days, the Cruiser visits nine different locations each month throughout the Greater Charlotte community. It offers services such as primary care, developmental screenings, preventive education, disease diagnosis, and well-child check-ups for youth in need. Visit www.presbyterian.org/cruiser for more information and route schedules.
