Back-to-School Health Fair Today at Waukee Area Christian Services Free Clinic

Start the school year off right by stopping by the Back-to-School Health Fair today, August 6, at the Waukee Area Christian Services Free Clinic.

Physicians, nurses and volunteers will be on hand to provide school and sports physicals, dental and vision screenings, immunizations and even lead testing for students of all ages, regardless of income and at no charge. Hawk-I insurance representatives, the Lions Club and even the Des Moines University Mobile Health Clinic will be on hand to assist students in their screenings.

Robyn Bendinger, clinic manager, said the clinic has held a Back-to-School Health Fair for three years. The first year, she said, fewer than 10 students participated. This year, they’re hoping to serve more than 100 students.

“We are just here to serve the community and those in need, “ she said. “We do it because we love it. We hope the community will too.”

The Waukee Area Christian Services Free Clinic, now in its fifth year of operations, is open every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. with patient registration beginning at 5:30. Services are provided by volunteer doctors and nurses and run the gamut of treatment for illnesses and minor injuries to child well-visits and chronic disease management.

The clinic operates entirely on donations and with the support of other area churches.

Melissa Stimple, director of the Waukee Area Christian Services, said the free clinic is only one component of an entire community outreach program that caters to this western suburb. A food pantry and community garden complete the trifecta.

“I think it’s an amazing resource for the community because people come from all over to use the clinic, “ she said. “There’s nothing else out west here. I think we fill a vital role in health care in the community.”

Bendinger said registration for the free health screenings is open from 8:45 to 11 a.m. today and all screenings are first come, first served. Screenings will be provided from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Health Fair is held at Waukee Area Christian Services Free Clinic located in the basement of Westview Church at 1155 SE Boone Dr. For more information, go to the Waukee Area Christian Services website or call 515-321-0894.