WXYZ-TV Provides Free Back-to-School Immunizations With "Healthy Living for Kids"

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Aug. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- WXYZ-TV Channel 7 and the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion, along with DTE Energy Foundation will give thousands of Detroit area children a "boost" at the 35th annual "Healthy Living for Kids" immunization fair. The program will be held Sunday, August 26^th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

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The vaccinations are especially important because of new school requirements for students that were recently implemented. According to Dawn Lukomski, Immunization Program Director for Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion, students must have a completed series of vaccinations or they will not be allowed to attend school. "This event is an opportunity to get your children's immunizations without a wait or appointment before they go back to school and to take advantage of the fun environment," said Lukomski.

Eligible children 3 months and older will be given free immunizations against polio, rubella, measles, mumps, tetanus, varicella (chicken pox), diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B and HIB (Haemophilus influenza type B), MCV4 Meningitis, Hep A, PCV 13 (Pneumonia), and HPV (Gardasil). Registered nurses from the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion will administer the shots with the assistance of more than 150 volunteers from the Health Department and WXYZ-TV Channel 7.  Since the project began in 1977, more than 50,000 children have received these important back-to-school vaccinations.

"We are proud to join the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness and the DTE Energy Foundation to provide this important service to Detroit area children," said WXYZ-TV Vice-President and General Manager Ed Fernandez.  "It's just one more way WXYZ is taking action for Metro Detroit families."

Additional services provided include; free lead poisoning testing, sign-ups for the WIC (Woman, Infant, and Children's) feeding program, enrollment for insurance and a wide variety of youth mentoring programs.  This year, the popular "Children's Village" will feature a variety of health services, community outreach programs and entertainment.  Other organizations on hand this year are AAA, DMC, Kohl's Injury Prevention Team, Detroit College Promise, Detroit Public Schools, Playworks, Reading Works, and Smile Programs (the mobile dentists).

7 Action News on-air personalities will sign autographs and greet children and their families. Fun giveaways, including backpacks, will be provided courtesy of WXYZ-TV and the DTE Energy Foundation.  DTE Energy Foundation will also be giving away school supplies at the event while they last. 

"DTE Energy is pleased to join forces with WXYZ-TV to give children in Southeast Michigan a positive start to the new school year," said Karla Hall, Vice President of the DTE Energy Foundation. "The school supplies and immunizations should help kids from struggling families stay healthy and productive, so they can succeed in school."

Detroit Lions mascot "Roary," and Detroit Pistons mascot "Hooper" will stop by and greet guests.  In addition, former Detroit Piston Rick Mahorn will be on hand to sign autographs.  Complimentary pizza will be served along with bottled water courtesy of Absopure and Costco.  Additional treats include potato chips courtesy of Uncle Rays, and ice cream courtesy of Par's. 

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is located in the heart of Detroit's Cultural Center, at 315 East Warren Avenue.  Information is available online at www.wxyz.com.

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SOURCE WXYZ-TV Channel 7