Now in its 11th year, the 2020 Bash has adapted its traditional one-day carnival -and instead offers local children the chance to become “Virus Busters.” Children can earn stickers in a passport certifying they’re fully immunized and have completed well-child and dental check-ups.

Denise Crawford, President and CEO of Family Health Center (FHC), said immunizations, well-child checks and dental check-ups are vital for students now and pay dividends in greater health far into each child’s future.

“With the threat of COVID-19 added to that of the other childhood diseases, starting the school year in good health is more important for students than ever,” Crawford said. “We’re doing our part to make sure children can start school healthy, which helps them hit the ground running for another year of learning.”

Value of Good Health to Students

Good health means both medical and dental check-ups as well as having immunizations up to date. “A healthy child learns better and has a better chance of staying healthy during the school year,” said Crawford.

Parents can bring their children to any Family Health Center location and pick up a Virus Buster Passport. Kids will receive passport stamps when they complete their well-child check, if they’ve had a dental cleaning in the past six months, and if their immunizations are up to date. Once they earn Virus Buster status, kids will get a COVID-19 health kit, including hand hygiene products and face masks, along with tips on how to stay safe and healthy. Kids also receive school supplies and a basketball, football, or volleyball to help them stay healthy through learning and exercise.

In 2019, 1,800 children from low-income families received well-child services including immunizations, due in large part to the Bash.

The 2020 Back To School Bash runs from Monday, Aug. 17, through Tuesday, Sept. 1. To schedule an appointment, call (269) 349-2641.

Family Health Center will provide drive-thru testing in Kalamazoo County to help understand and address the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring those who test positive get prompt medical guidance.

FHC will host its first drive-thru testing on Friday, April 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Stones Church, 1225 W. Paterson Street, in Kalamazoo. Depending on the demand, future testing may happen elsewhere in Kalamazoo County in the coming weeks.

Those who wish to be tested must call (269) 488-0804 for a pre-test evaluation, including a phone consultation with a physician to get a doctor’s order for the test. You can also call the number during normal business hours with any questions about the testing.

FHC is among 13 new or expanded drive-thru testing operations across Michigan announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“Family Health Center is committed to quality health care for every person. In the face of this global pandemic, that mission is more important than ever,” said Denise Crawford, President & CEO. “We’re honored that Gov. Whitmer chose FHC to play this vital role in addressing a critical health need.”

Individuals will be tested for COVID-19 without leaving their vehicles, Crawford said. Those being tested will need to bring their driver’s license or personal identification. FHC staff in personal protection gear will be onsite to guide individuals through the process. It takes between 10 and 14 minutes to go through testing, and FHC will contact individuals with results in 24 to 48 hours.

A new commercial laboratory in Grand Rapids will be able to analyze up to 3,000 tests per day from across the state, increasing Michigan’s daily average number of results by about 40%.

“The State of Michigan is working with our healthcare partners to step up COVID-19 testing,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Better access to testing and quicker results are critical to our public health officials who are fighting coronavirus and to our residents who have symptoms of COVID-19 and need answers, treatment and peace of mind. More testing will save lives.”

Michigan’s testing priority criteria include those who are:
• Hospitalized patients
• Symptomatic healthcare workers
• Patients in congregate facilities with symptoms, including those at long-term care of elderly living facilities, jails or prisons, homeless shelters, residential foster-care facilities, and other group living settings
• Patients age 65 and older with symptoms
• Patients with underlying conditions with symptoms
• First responders with symptoms
• Critical infrastructure workers with symptoms

Crawford said increased testing will help public health officials understand where COVID-19 poses the biggest risk in Michigan and how best to respond. Crawford encouraged residents to continue social distancing, including following Michigan’s stay-at-home order and maintaining six feet of space from others when you must go out.

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services is partnering with the Michigan Primary Care Association and NxGen Laboratory, a commercial laboratory in Grand Rapids, to operate these testing sites.