Kids Care Fair Offers Shots and Screenings

This wasn’t what 8-year-old Maria Gonzalez had planned for her Saturday.

She wanted to go on the wild water slides at Raging Waters in San Dimas. But she ended up getting a battery of tests at the 11th annual YWCA Kids Care Fair in San Fernando.

“Well, my parents promised me, if I went [to the health fair] today, we get to go to Raging Waters and Magic Mountain before school starts,” the Pacoima resident said. “If this stuff can protect me from sickness, then I guess this is worth it.”

Maria was among the many children who received free health screenings, such as vision and hearing tests, at the YWCA facility on Maclay Avenue. Toddlers and teens alike squirmed when they got shots to ward off measles, hepatitis or rubella. But at least they got a piece of candy afterward.

“My arm hurts,” said Ricky Gomez, 11, of San Fernando as he licked a grape-flavored lollipop. “I have to do a couple more tests before I can go home.”

The fair was designed to provide free services for low-income families who lack health insurance.

The sponsoring YWCA chapter was supported by a variety of community organizations that distributed information about health awareness.

“We are committed to strengthening and expanding our outreach efforts to better serve the health care needs of women, youth and their families,” said Faye Washington, chief executive of the YWCA’s Los Angeles branch.

“We especially hope to provide services to families that can’t afford basic health care.”