Fort Lauderdale, Florida – More than 1,000 children and family members across Broward County kicked off the new school year prepared thanks to two annual back-to-school celebrations hosted by Broward HealthPoint and Children's Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC), affiliates of Broward Health.
During both events, students and their families were provided with free school-required immunizations, backpacks, school uniforms, nutritious meals, educational resources and connections to community services, helping ease the financial burden on families while ensuring students are healthy and ready to learn.
During Broward HealthPoint's annual Back to School Jamboree at the Cora E. Braynon Care Center in Fort Lauderdale, more than 600 children and family members enjoyed free meals, entertainment, family activities and access to healthcare services, educational resources and family support from 10 community partners and more than 100 volunteers. In addition, nearly 100 children received school-required immunizations, 400 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed and 760 hot meals were served.
Families with special needs children also attended the annual Back to School Resource Fair at CDTC. During the fair, 400 of their most in-need children and their siblings received free school uniforms, backpacks filled with supplies and valuable community resources tailored to families of children with special healthcare needs. They enjoyed visits from Stanley C. Panther, mascot of the Florida Panthers, face painting provided by Florida Girls Giving Back and a custom photo booth. They also received water safety and drowning prevention education from the Florida Department of Health, and members of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department helped distribute school supplies and uniforms while moms and caregivers took home complimentary costume jewelry.
"Preparing children for a successful school year begins with ensuring they are healthy and have the resources they need to thrive," said Melida Akiti, corporate transformation executive at Broward Health. "With these events, we are removing barriers to care, supporting families and strengthening the health of our community. We want our children to feel supported and ready to begin the school year confident, excited and ready to succeed."
Through preventive care, health education and community outreach, Broward HealthPoint and Children's Diagnostic & Treatment Center continue to connect residents with services that support healthier futures.
About Broward Health
Broward Health, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks among the 10 largest public healthcare systems in the United States. Nationally recognized for its focus on high-quality care for the residents of Broward County and beyond, Broward Health boasts four hospitals, two trauma centers, was the county’s first statutory teaching hospital and has an ever-growing graduate medical education program. It includes more than 50 health centers and physician practices covering virtually every healthcare specialty.
Broward Health never stops working toward its mission of Exceptional Care, Extraordinary Compassion and Everyday Excellence. Driven by more than 11,000 talented employees and physicians who deliver care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, Broward Health is one of the largest employers in Broward County with an operating budget of over $2 billion and annually provides over $523 million in charity and uncompensated care. For more information about Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org.
