Gidgee Healing are ensuring Mount Isa youth remain healthy before returning to school in 2021, by conducting annual health checks.
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The Back to School Health Checks is an annual event held by Gidgee Healing and Deadly Choices but has been extended from one day to two weeks due to popular demand.
The free health checks will be conducted at the Pioneer clinic from January 11-22 8.30am to 4.30pm, bookings essential by calling 1800 GIDGEE.
Deadly Choices coordinator Melissa Eggmolesse said Gidgee Healing provided holistic primary health care to the community and needed to extend the Back to School program to ensure each child was receiving adequate care.
"We found that in one day we weren't giving the full attention to each child as much as we should have, so we changed it to two weeks so we can provide full health care they require," Ms Eggmolesse said.
"Each year we see between 100-150 people through this program and we check children's blood pressure, blood sugar, hearing and vision testing and skin checks; so it's pretty much a full head to toe check of the kids."
Deadly Choices programs officer Tayla West-Chong said Gidgee Healing created a safe and enjoyable environment for Mount Isa children to have a health check.
"Kids going to the doctors generally get nervous, but we have a great team of doctors and nurses who make you feel welcome," Ms West- Chong said.
"It is about our community and providing quality of care, especially for our young people. Deadly Choices thought we would start the year off right by service the young people through this community outreach program.
"The Back to School program also supports families by providing each child that has a health check- a school starter pack. This includes a backpack, pencil case, pencils, hat and water bottle and school essentials.
"We also finish off the program with a Family Fun Day on January 22 from 9am to 2pm at the Skate Park for all to enjoy."
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