By: Richard L. Smith
RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Department of Health are teaming up to help families prepare their children for the upcoming school year with access to vaccinations, physicals and other preventive healthcare services.
According to information released by RWJBarnabas Health, the new Stay Well. Learn Well. initiative will bring healthcare services directly into communities while connecting families with additional medical resources.
The effort includes regional vaccination clinics, pediatric mobile health services throughout Essex and Union counties and community outreach programs.
Children from Pre-K through age 18 can receive recommended childhood vaccinations and school physicals at the regional clinics.
In Newark, a clinic will be held Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Essex County Donald Payne School of Technology, located at 498-544 West Market Street.
Union County families can attend a second clinic Monday, September 21, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Union County Family Clinic, 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.
Officials said the partnership between RWJBarnabas Health, state and county health agencies, local school districts, Federally Qualified Health Centers and community organizations is designed to make preventive healthcare more accessible before students return to the classroom.
The initiative will also help connect families with healthcare and community resources for continued support beyond the start of the school year.