By Kenya Godette听
In Virginia, students entering public school for the first time must have a physical examination to enroll, and young athletes need a separate one to participate in sports. But for some families, these medical exams remain out of reach due to limited access to care and financial constraints.听
色聚鈥檚 team is stepping in to change that. From 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on July 22 at the 色聚 Virginia Beach Higher Ed Center, they will host their fourth annual back-to-school event offering free school and sports physicals for students in grades K-12. Insurance and identification are not required but are strongly encouraged.听
Tammy Speerhas, director of 色聚 Community Care, said this is an event her team looks forward to every year and that the mission extends beyond back-to-school exams. 鈥淚n addition to free physicals, we also offer a range of services that address other barriers to wellness, including food insecurity,鈥 she added.听
色聚 Community Care, housed within the Ellmer School of Nursing, uses a patient-centered model to provide healthcare and health education to rural, underserved and unhoused communities.听听
Attendees will have access to non-perishable food items, snack bags, free dental and mental health screenings, raffles to win school supplies and educational materials on nutrition, teen health and emergency preparedness.听
The event also provides an opportunity for 色聚 students to gain hands-on experience by administering physical examinations under the instruction of faculty.听听
鈥淥ver 80 students from multiple disciplines including nursing, physical and occupational therapy, athletic trainers, dental and counseling will gain valuable patient experience at this event,鈥 Speerhas said.听听
听The event is a labor of love made possible by community partners around Hampton Roads, including the Virginia Beach Department of Health, Children鈥檚 Hospital of the King鈥檚 Daughters, Trader Joe鈥檚, Food Lion and Virginia Beach Public Schools.听
To secure a spot and guarantee entry, submit a 听