Staff Report
SAN MARCOS — The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) will host its fourth Annual Back‑to‑School Health Fair — ¡Salud sin límites para este school year — from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Owen Goodnight Middle School, located at 1301 TX-123 in San Marcos.
With more than 1,000 attendees last year, the annual fair provides families with access to services from the county and supporting community partners, completely free of cost. These include vaccinations for children who qualify under the Texas Vaccines for Children program, hearing and vision screenings, food and paletas, haircuts, booster seats, backpacks and free school materials, while supplies last, according to a news release. Birth certificate printing will also be available on-site for people born in Texas for $23, provided by the Hays County Clerk’s Office Vital Records Division.
Free vaccinations will be available for children 18 years of age or younger who meet at least one of the following qualifications: enrolled in Medicaid, underinsured, uninsured, American Indian or Alaska Native or enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child and provide printed vaccination records for the individual receiving the vaccine. To expedite the process, the Health Department asks that parents pre-register the children they plan on bringing to get vaccinated at the fair by filling out the following form: forms.cloud.microsoft/g/4xHaE42JUj.
“As we prepare for a new school year, we’re reminded that the heart of public health is prevention,” said Matthew Gonzales, HCHD director. “Our Back-to-School Health Fair is a powerful example of what happens when a community unites to support families. By bringing essential services together in a fun and accessible way, we’re helping remove barriers to health care and underscoring the ongoing need for expanded access to medical services, affordable housing and other resources that strengthen the well-being of our community.”
In addition to the services provided by Hays County, the fair will feature a large 40-vendor resource fair, giveaways, games and activities for the public, continued the release. Attendees will also be able to access information on healthcare, housing and a wide range of social services to support families throughout the year.
“This annual event shines the light on our community’s commitment to the health and well-being of all Hays County residents and it just keeps growing,” added Kate Esqueda, Community Health Services manager. “From months of planning and the day-of responsibilities to the sponsorship of free services and giveaways, the Back‑to‑School Health Fair is made possible by the incredible organizations and community members who ensure that every service is available at no cost to our families. Their support helps set our students up for success as they begin the new school year.”
The health department clinic is open: 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 8 -10 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Wednesday; and 8 a.m. to noon Friday. The clinic operates from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-6 p.m. the first Monday of every month. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment, call 512-393-5520.
