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Health department hosts free health screenings for Chatham Co. students

Health Department Offers Free Health Screenings for Chatham County Students Ahead of New School Year

SAVANNAH, Ga. – As the summer break winds down and families prepare for the upcoming school year, the Chatham County Health Department is stepping up to ensure that students are healthy and ready to learn. In a proactive initiative announced this week, the department is hosting a series of free health screenings specifically tailored for students in Chatham County. This program, set to run through the end of July and into early August, aims to catch potential health issues early, promote preventive care, and ease the financial burden on families who might otherwise skip essential check-ups due to cost concerns.

The screenings, which are open to all K-12 students residing in Chatham County, regardless of their school district or enrollment status, cover a wide range of health assessments. According to health officials, the primary focus will be on vision and hearing tests, which are crucial for academic success. Poor vision or hearing can significantly impact a child's ability to engage in classroom activities, follow instructions, or even participate in extracurriculars. By identifying these issues early, the department hopes to connect families with resources for corrective measures, such as glasses or hearing aids, often at little to no cost through partnerships with local nonprofits and eye care providers.

Beyond sensory checks, the program includes basic physical examinations, including height and weight measurements to assess growth patterns and body mass index (BMI). This is particularly important in a region like Chatham County, where childhood obesity rates have been a growing concern. Data from recent state health reports indicate that Georgia as a whole struggles with higher-than-average rates of pediatric obesity, influenced by factors like limited access to nutritious foods, sedentary lifestyles exacerbated by screen time, and socioeconomic disparities. In Chatham County, urban areas like Savannah face additional challenges with food deserts and limited recreational spaces, making early intervention through screenings a vital tool in combating these trends.

Immunization reviews are another cornerstone of the initiative. With the school year approaching, ensuring that students are up-to-date on required vaccines is not just a matter of compliance but a public health imperative. The health department will provide on-site vaccinations for those who need them, covering essentials like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), and others mandated by Georgia law. This is especially timely given the recent upticks in vaccine-preventable diseases nationwide, including pertussis outbreaks in some southern states. Parents are encouraged to bring their child's immunization records to the screenings to avoid any last-minute rushes before school starts.

Dental health, often overlooked in routine check-ups, is also addressed in these free sessions. Basic oral exams will screen for cavities, gum disease, and other issues that could lead to pain or infection if left untreated. Dental problems can cause absenteeism from school and affect concentration, so integrating this into the program underscores the holistic approach the health department is taking. For families without dental insurance, referrals to low-cost clinics or programs like Georgia's PeachCare for Kids will be provided.

The initiative is not limited to physical health; mental health screenings are included as well, recognizing the growing awareness of emotional well-being among youth. Trained counselors will conduct brief assessments for signs of anxiety, depression, or stress, which have surged among students post-pandemic. The COVID-19 era highlighted how isolation, remote learning, and family stressors can exacerbate mental health issues, and Chatham County has seen an increase in referrals to child psychologists in recent years. By offering these screenings, the department aims to destigmatize mental health discussions and link families to counseling services, support groups, or school-based resources.

To make the program accessible, the health department has scheduled multiple locations and times across the county. Screenings will be held at the main health department facility in Savannah, as well as satellite sites in Pooler, Garden City, and Tybee Island. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended to minimize wait times, and can be booked via the department's website or by calling a dedicated hotline. The events are designed to be family-friendly, with activities for younger children and informational booths on nutrition, exercise, and healthy habits. Bilingual staff will be available to assist non-English speakers, ensuring inclusivity for the county's diverse population, which includes significant Hispanic and immigrant communities.

Health officials emphasize that this program is about more than just immediate health checks—it's an investment in the community's future. "Healthy students are better learners," said Dr. Elena Ramirez, the Chatham County Health Director, in a statement. "By providing these free screenings, we're removing barriers to care and empowering families to prioritize their children's well-being. We've seen in past years how early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, and that's our goal here."

The initiative builds on successful past efforts by the department, such as back-to-school health fairs that have served thousands of families over the years. Last year alone, similar events identified vision problems in over 15% of screened students, leading to improved academic performance for many after receiving interventions. This year's expansion includes partnerships with local schools, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, and private organizations like the United Way, which are helping to fund supplies and promote the events through social media and community outreach.

Parents like Maria Gonzalez, a Savannah resident with two school-aged children, are already praising the program. "As a single mom working two jobs, I can't always afford doctor visits," Gonzalez shared. "This is a lifesaver—it means my kids can start the year strong without me worrying about hidden health issues."

For those concerned about privacy, the health department assures that all screenings are confidential and comply with HIPAA regulations. No insurance is required, and the services are funded through a combination of state grants, federal health initiatives, and local donations, making them truly free for participants.

As the program rolls out, experts are hopeful it will set a model for other counties in Georgia. With childhood health disparities widening in rural and urban areas alike, initiatives like this highlight the role of public health departments in bridging gaps. In Chatham County, where poverty rates hover around 15% and access to healthcare can be uneven, these screenings could make a tangible difference in student outcomes.

Families interested in participating should visit the Chatham County Health Department's website for a full schedule and preparation tips, such as bringing identification and any existing medical records. With the first day of school just weeks away, now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure a healthy start to the academic year.

This program also ties into broader state efforts under Georgia's Department of Public Health, which has been pushing for increased preventive care amid rising healthcare costs. By focusing on students, the initiative addresses a vulnerable population whose health directly impacts educational attainment and long-term economic prospects. Research from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that children with untreated health issues are more likely to miss school days, perform poorly academically, and face chronic conditions into adulthood. In Chatham County, where the median household income is below the national average, such preventive measures can help level the playing field.

Community leaders are rallying behind the effort, with local pediatricians volunteering time and schools distributing flyers to parents. The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce has even endorsed the program, recognizing its potential to foster a healthier workforce in the future. As one educator put it, "When kids are healthy, they can focus on learning, not on discomfort or illness."

In an era where healthcare access remains a hot-button issue, the Chatham County Health Department's free screenings stand out as a beacon of community support. By addressing physical, dental, sensory, immunization, and mental health needs all in one go, the program is comprehensive and forward-thinking. As more families sign up, the hope is that this will become an annual tradition, expanding to include even more services in the years ahead.

For now, with sessions already underway, the message is clear: prioritizing student health is key to a successful school year. Parents are urged not to delay—schedule a screening today and give your child the best possible start. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full WTOC-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wtoc.com/2025/07/24/health-department-hosts-free-health-screenings-chatham-co-students/ ]