The Knox County TENNderCARE Coalition is hosting a Family Health Fair this Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the rear parking lot of Knox County Health Department at 140 Dameron Avenue (to be held on the side fronting Bernard Avenue). Tents will dot the landscape to give a carnival-like atmosphere to the day of fun for families. "I Get It" is the theme with emphasis on educating families on health benefits available through the TennCare program and the importance of regular well-child check ups for children. The public is invited to this free event.
Activities for kids will include inflatable games, face painting, music, food, door prizes and other giveaways. Dental and blood pressure screenings will be provided along with information on a variety of health topics including sun safety and smoking cessation.
TENNderCARE is a state-funded full program of check ups and healthcare services for children who are on TennCare.
TENNderCARE facts:
The program encourages parents to take their children for their Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT), which are designed for the care of children from birth to young adulthood.
TENNderCARE collaborates with health department, physicians, and community partners to raise community awareness about the importance of proper medical care to child health and development.
The goal of the program is to achieve and maintain the EPSDT rate of 80 percent or more.
Current screening rates for Knox County are 91.95 percent (from the most recent data: Oct. 2006 through Sept. 2007), up from 56.00 percent - an increase of 35.05 percent since 2003.
Success is being accomplished by the direct collaborative outreach efforts between physicians, health departments, schools and community groups.
The Knox County TENNderCARE Coalition would like to recognize and thank the sponsors for this community event: Volunteer State Health Plan/BCBS, AmeriChoice, East Tennessee Children's Hospital, All Occasion Party Rentals, Natural Springs Water Group, Mayfield Dairy, and Knox County Health Department.