KIDS CARE FEST SEPT. 24 IN LA MESA OFFERS FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR 1,000 CHILDREN

September 16, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa will host the 10th annual Kids Care Fest on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free family event features free health care screenings at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa.

Additional free, hand-on activities will include arts and crafts, water safety, bungee and astro jumps and pony rides, along with demonstrations and displays from law enforcement, including police and fire officials. Free new reading books, along with coloring books and crayons, will also be available for children to take home.

Organizers expect more than 1,000 children under age 12, including many from low-income and under-insured families, will receive free, potentially life-saving, health care screenings, including hearing, vision and dental vision screenings, from healthcare professionals at the event. In addition, the event will include free medical information from pediatricians, dermatologists and pharmacists at approximately 50 exhibit booths.

A free lunch will be served to children by volunteers with the La Mesa United Methodist Church while supplies last. Also, arts and crafts activities will be provided by church members.

Kids Care Fest will be a smoke‑free event. Free parking will be available at Sharp Grossmont Hospital's Brier Patch campus at 9000 Wakarusa St. and Grossmont Medical Arts Building at 8851 Center Dr. For more information, phone (619) 825‑5050 or visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org.