Elisa Dack, community health director for Michigan District Health Departments 2 (DHD2) and 4 (DHD4), said the “one-stop” back-to-school clinic offered by DHD4 is perfect for families with tight schedules. The clinic will open in early August and provide a number of health services for school-age children, including important screenings and immunizations.
Dack told The News that the back-to-school clinic allows parents to schedule hearing and vision screenings, oral health assessments, fluoride coatings, immunizations and other items for their children in one go, while also providing information on community resources, which greatly facilitates family preparation for the start of school.
Michigan requires hearing and vision screenings for children entering kindergarten. Dack pointed out that hearing screenings are important for children and families because some hearing problems are not easy to detect.
At the same time, starting in the 2024-2025 school year, new kindergarten regulations require all children of school age to undergo dental examinations. Dack emphasized that oral health is especially important for young children, whose thin enamel is more susceptible to tooth decay.
In addition, Michigan requires all students to have up-to-date immunizations or submit proof of immunization exemptions before the first day of school. Dack reminds parents that if their children are about to enter a licensed daycare, kindergarten or seventh grade, they need to check and update their immunization records in a timely manner.
At the DHD4 clinic, children aged preschool to 18 years old can receive free vaccinations and vision and hearing examinations; kindergarten-age children can also enjoy free dental examinations.
In addition to medical services, the clinic also provides community connection support to help families understand other resources of the health department, such as finding doctors, insurance, transportation arrangements, food and housing.
Dack said that when she first started working at the health department, she did not have a comprehensive understanding of the department’s services, so she understands that community residents may not understand the support that the health department can provide.
The back-to-school clinic not only provides health services, but also makes families more aware of how to get various help from DHD4.
Clinics will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
Monday, August 4, at DHD4 Alpena (100 Woods Circle, Alpena)
Thursday, August 7, at DHD4 Cheboygan (825 S. Huron St., Cheboygan)
Friday, August 8, at DHD4 Montmorency (12480 State St., Atlanta)
Friday, August 15, at DHD4 Presque Isle (106 E. Huron St., Rogers City)
