PRESS RELEASE

Plainfield Health Center Hosts Pediatric Health Fair
Event to Kick Off National Health Center Week

For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 8, 2002-PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY- The Plainfield Health Center, one of thirteen Federally Qualified Health Centers in New Jersey, dedicated to providing cost effective primary health care services for the residents of Plainfield and surrounding communities, announced that it will be hosting its Annual Pediatric Health Fair on August 13, 2002, from 1PM to 7PM at the Center’s main campus, at the intersection of Rock and Myrtle Avenues in Plainfield. This is the twelfth year that PHC has hosted this community event. This year, the Annual Pediatric Health Fair also marks PHC’s kick off to National Health Center Week, which is August 19th through 23rd.

The health fair will feature free immunizations as well as numerous activities and health screenings for children. The free immunizations will be offered to children between one and seven years of age (up to 6 years and eleven months old), including polio boosters, vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella, and tuberculosis screenings — all of which are required for those entering kindergarten. Children seven years and older will be screened for immunizations and are eligible for low-cost vaccinations. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must present an immunization card or record prior to receiving any immunizations.

Other highlights of the day will include dental referrals, free eye exams, height and weight screenings, information on NJ FamilyCare and health care demonstrations. The Plainfield Fire Department will present fire prevention and safety information, while the Plainfield Police Department will create photo identification cards for children in attendance, (full name and date of birth is required.) Participants will also enjoy nutritious refreshments, giveaways, and an abundance of children’s entertainment, including clowns and other surprises. Additionally, children are invited to enter a free drawing for two bicycles and helmets donated by Amerigroup.

“As the largest provider of primary health care to the residents of the greater Plainfield area, we believe that it is particularly important to educate our youngest residents and their parents about health care, including preventive health care and healthy behaviors, at a young age,” said Dr. Sebika Basu, Chief of Pediatrics at Plainfield Health Center. “In addition to helping families get their children immunized for school, we take this opportunity to get children on a solid trajectory for proper health maintenance. Robin Simmons, Head Pediatric Nurse at PHC is organizing this event,” said Dr. Basu.

For more information about the Pediatric Health Fair, contact Robin Simmons on 908-753-6401, extension 134.

About The Plainfield Health Center

The Plainfield Health Center, incorporated as the Plainfield Neighborhood Health Services Corporation, was born in 1969 under the auspices of the 1960's Model Cities Neighborhood Program. Led by a dedicated group of community activists, the Center was initially created to provide accessible health care to the residents of the West End of Plainfield.

Since then, the Center has grown, added more services, increased the number of specialties of professional health staff, and expanded its reach to the entire City of Plainfield and neighboring communities. Today, the Plainfield Health Center serves more than 17,000 patients annually. Its total care program provides adult medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, adolescent medicine, school based services, dentistry and ancillary support services.

copyright © PHC 2002