Health and Safety Day helps more than 220 Colorado County children prepare for new school year
By Debora S., RN, Wesley Nurse
The Colorado County Circus of Health and Safety Day was held July 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Columbus Elementary School in Columbus, Texas (105 Cardinal Lane). I was happy to collaborate with a great group to help organize the 2015 event, including the AgriLife County Extension Agent, Columbus County Hospital and the Columbus Department of Health and Human Services. The health and safety day was a perfect example of community collaboration and local partnerships meeting the needs of our residents.
More than 220 children and 110 adults participated in the countywide event. Each child received a backpack filled with supplies for school. They also received timely health and safety information from a variety of organizations present on the day of the event. The planning team was overjoyed with raising nearly $3, 225, which helped purchase the backpacks and supplies for the children.
Families had the opportunity to view seatbelt safety demonstrations and receive car seat checks provided by the Columbus Community Hospital Nurses. At the Methodist Healthcare Ministries' booth, I shared information about nutrition, the importance of physical activity and hygiene. The Columbus EMS, fire department and police department had popular outdoor booths. A representative from the Lower Colorado River Authority was onsite to share all-terrain vehicle safety tips. Snow cones and water were also provided to help everyone cool down outdoors.
One of the highlights of the morning was the visit by the Life Flight helicopter. The helicopter surprised everyone when it landed in the school's playing field. The children really enjoyed the opportunity to see inside the aircraft. It was a great educational tool and fun opportunity for all!
The 2015 health and safety day proved to be a successful event. I was thankful to be involved because I know the event helped lessen the financial burden on parents as they prepare their children for a new school year. Knowing the event helps so many makes me extremely proud of our outreach within the community.