Montefiore Einstein and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield gave families in the Bronx a head start for the new school year with free health screenings and school supplies at the annual Back to School Literacy & Health Fair on August 18.
Grade school-aged children received back-to-school kits, including notebooks, pencils, scissors, glue and other essentials at the fair, which was held at Kwame Ture Recreation Center. The Montefiore Einstein School Health Program conducted free health screenings and distributed wellness information while the Albert Einstein College of Medicine offered free vision screenings. Backpacks were provided courtesy of Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield. The first hour of the fair was reserved for children attending PS 199.
“We are proud to again host our Healthy Back to School Initiative,” said Melissa Cebollero, Senior Director, Community Relations, Montefiore Einstein. “This initiative provides quality and age-appropriate back-to-school supplies for the communities we serve, while also organizing opportunities for screenings and community health education. Programs that address health disparities and have a positive impact on social determinants of health, such as education, are critical for our community.”
The event was presented in partnership with the Office of the Bronx Borough President, Vanessa L. Gibson; Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield; and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.