Health department hosts free health screenings for Chatham Co. students

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - School starts in less than two weeks for many students in the Coastal Empire.

To make sure first-time Georgia students are prepared to head back to the classroom, the Department of Public Health is hosting free screenings Thursday in Chatham County.

The Department of Public Health is hosting vision, hearing, dental and nutrition screenings at their Eisenhower clinic from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The best part is the screenings are completely free. All parents have to do is bring their kids and let the clinic know they’re here for the free school screenings.

If your child is missing a required school vaccine, the clinic may be able to give it to the student. Your insurance may cover the needed vaccine but be prepared if it doesn’t.

County Nurse Manager Sierra Peebles says while all of Thursday’s screenings are required, they’re also important for helping your student succeed in the classroom.

“We want to make sure the little ones are able to see the board, see the computer monitors, hear their teacher. Make sure, you know, teeth are a big thing with eating and communicating, so we want to make sure they can eat nutritiously, which is also why we do a BMI screen, and that they have pretty, wonderful smiles to go back to school.”

Peebles says show up to the clinic early so you can hopefully leave early.

The best time is first thing in the morning. Around lunch is usually more crowded.

Peebles also says these screenings are typically $30 a child, and most insurances don’t pay for them.

“So, it is a great opportunity, you got to get it done anyway. So come see us while it’s free, and then we may be able to get those vaccines done at the same time as well. So, it could be literally a one stop shop for you.”

Peebles says you don’t want to wait until the last minute to get these screenings done. Besides Thursday’s event, the Chatham County Health Department doesn’t have any available appointments before school starts.

Stopping by will not only save you time and money but it will also keep your kid from missing classroom instruction after the school starts.

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