Wayne County Health and Safety Fun Fest Set for Thursday

The Wayne County Department of Public Health will once again hold its free annual back-to-school Health and Safety Fun Fest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 22.

“Each and every day, Wayne County strives to improve the health and quality of life for our residents,” said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano. “This back-to-school event is just one of many ways we work with community health partners throughout the year toward achieving that goal.”

Services at the fair include: immunizations, health and dental screenings, information about nutrition and exercise and how individuals can live healthier lifestyles. Free book bags and school supplies will be provided to the first 300 school-age children in attendance.

Parents whose children are in need of immunizations are asked to bring children’s immunization records to the event. In addition, adult immunizations will be available.

This year's Fun Fest will feature mobile “Health on Wheels” medical units from local health providers that offer dental and health screenings for adults and children, along with individualized follow-up referrals. Among the participants are Golden Dental and the Garden City Hospital Health Coach.

Health services include: blood pressure, glucose, dental, hearing and vision screenings; lead safe and smoking cessation information; West Nile virus prevention guidelines; HIV education; infant safe sleep guidelines; maternal infant care and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program information.

The fair will feature more than 80 health-related vendor booths. There will be handouts and giveaways about healthy living; chronic disease prevention and management; low-cost health coverage plans, developments concerning the Affordable Care Act, and more.

A farmers market will also be onsite, offering locally-grown fruits and vegetables for sale.

"Our overall goal is to provide residents with information and services for healthy living so they can take proactive, preventive steps in their health care and lifestyle to prevent disease,” said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, chief of health operations for Wayne County Department of Health and Human Services. “We want to help Wayne County families and residents of all ages live healthier, more productive lives.”

Child safety photo/video IDs that include CDs containing digital fingerprints, dental impressions and vital information will be provided by Wayne Masonic Lodge 112. Parents or guardians must accompany children and complete a consent form for this service.

In addition, fire safety education will be provided. Families can learn life-saving home fire safety evacuation techniques inside the Wayne-Westland Fire Department’s mobile smoke house.

The Fifth Third Bank eBus, on its national tour, will provide important “dollars and sense” information for residents, families and homeowners about programs that can benefit their overall quality of life and financial well-being.

Family entertainment throughout the day will include children’s games, face painting and balloon art. Another highlight is a “Wayne Idol Karaoke Contest” for kids, with one lucky young singer being named the “2013 Wayne Idol.”

There will be prize drawings, including a car seat, bicycle and bike safety helmet giveaway.

Free haircuts will be available to children. A stylist will offer complimentary hair braiding for girls.

Zaman International will provide free, nutritious lunches to youth, ages 18 and under, as part of the United Way’s summer food sponsorship program. Grilled hotdogs and refreshments will also be served. 

For more information about the Wayne County Health and Safety Fun Fest, call 734-727-7000.