Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Hosts Back to School Health Fair

Memorial Primary Care and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital hosted a health fair in time for back-to-school season. The children's hospital, which is part of South Florida-based Memorial Healthcare System, held the fair at Memorial Primary Care Center 4105 Pembroke Road. School immunizations, vision and hearing screenings, as well as Broward County School Physical Examinations were offered to almost 200 children.

"Community outreach is not just an initiative; it is a basis of our commitment to public health. It's through these connections that we can make a real, lasting impact on the health of our communities" said, Perla Del Pino-White, MD, vice chief of Memorial Primary Care.

Back-to-school immunizations are vital for ensuring the health and safety of children, especially in light of last school year's measles outbreak. Immunizations protect not only the vaccinated child but also help establish herd immunity, reducing the risk of disease spread. Measles, a highly contagious virus, can lead to severe complications, particularly in young children and those with weakened immune systems.

Ensuring that children are up-to-date with their vaccinations as they return to school is a crucial preventive measure. It safeguards their health, supports public health efforts, and fosters a safe learning environment for all students. By prioritizing immunizations, we can prevent future outbreaks and promote a healthier community.

At a recent One City at a Time event, Memorial Healthcare System CEO Scott Wester spoke about the efforts to make care more accessible.

"We have been working through our cities in the south Broward hospital district area to ensure we bring care close to home."

Memorial Healthcare System's One City at a Time program is operating in Miramar until the end of September. The program provides south Broward residents with easy access to health resources and services.