Lakeside Rodeo Grounds was abuzz with children and parents who came out to see for themselves the 14th year of the Grossmont Healthcare District’s Kid Care Fest on Sept. 12. Gloria Chadwick, a Grossmont District board member, said that previously the Kids Fest took place in La Mesa but the Board decided to move it to the medically underserved East County area so they could target low income and uninsured families who want to improve their family’s health or need to have their children seen by a medical professional before entering Kindergarten.
Lakeside Rodeo Grounds was abuzz with children and parents who came out to see for themselves the 14th year of the Grossmont Healthcare District’s Kid Care Fest on Sept. 12. Gloria Chadwick, a Grossmont District board member, said that previously the Kids Fest took place in La Mesa but the Board decided to move it to the medically underserved East County area so they could target low income and uninsured families who want to improve their family’s health or need to have their children seen by a medical professional before entering Kindergarten.
There were scores of booths set up for various services such as the eye mobile for vision testing, free dental screening, food stamp applications, blood sugar and blood pressure testing, reviewing vaccination cards, lumbar degeneration checkup, car seat safety inspection and a parent’s opportunity to talk to a pediatrician. Along with the healthcare facilities represented, the Kids Fest also included a variety of activities for the children with rock climbing, inflatables, crafts and pony rides. Sam Diego roamed the grounds entertaining the kids and adults as they moved from service to service.
Rady Children’s Hospital had several booths for various medical projects they are involved with.
Cal Fresh Foods gave information on healthier eating habits. The Sons of Charity, a non-profit organization that helps families with medical bills for children with cancer, was giving out information on their community work. SPLASH, a Sharp Grossmont aquatic swim class, was giving information about its infants and children warm water swim classes. Even Costco administered free flu shots.
Just for the fun of it, kiddies enjoyed the amusing entertainment while parents talked about more serious subjects to medical personnel.
The Kids Fest was sponsored by local groups such as Barona Resort & Casino, The East County Californian, Lakeside Union School District, Lakeside Community Collaborative, KUSI news, Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, Santee- Lakeside Rotary Club, El Capitan Stadium Association and the Optimist Club of Lakeside.
Healthcare partners included Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Rady Children’s Hospital, Borrego Community Health Clinic, UCSD’s Eye Mobile for Children, La Maestra Community Health Centers, Mountain Health & Community Services, Neighborhood Healthcare, Family Health Centers of San Diego and the County of San Diego health & Human Services Agency.
