Orland Township helps kids get ready for new school year

Orland Township hosted a Back to School Health Fair on July 28. 

The summer clock is winding down and Orland Township was there to get ready to prepare students to enter back into the classroom with its annual Back-To-School Health Fair.

Presented by Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and the Orland Township Board of Trustees, the free health fair was held on July 28 at the township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park.

“As the new school year approaches, our focus turns to the well-being of our students, parents, and teachers,” O’Grady said. “In anticipation of their return, we diligently prepared our Back-To-School Health Fair. This event not only offered essential support but also included enjoyable extras. Our commitment to ensuring these vital services are readily available underscores our dedication to the residents of Orland Township.”

School physicals for both sports and health, were available for $35 for township residents and $45 for non-residents, with proof of residency required.

The township partnered with Walmart Pharmacy to provide immunizations, by appointment only. Immunizations through Walmart are open to all attendees, regardless of insurance status or residency.

Free services and activities included at the health fair included: haircuts, provided by Salon Evangelos, delicious treats and beverages, a complimentary hot dog and a bag of potato chips and so much more.

“Students and their families were able to benefit from attending the Back to School Health Fair because it was a great opportunity to receive health-related services and enjoy some family fun,” Alexandria Shipyor, Public Relations Coordinator for Orland Township, said.

More than 25 vendors and 10 local service organizations were on-site, including: Orland Park Bank & Trust, the Orland Park Public Library, Sahara’s Face Painting, Orland Township Food Pantry (qualifying resident families were able to receive school supplies from the Orland Township Food Pantry and is based on availability), Marcus Theater providing complimentary popcorn, Ticho Eye Associates, Orland Township Youth Services, the Cook County Sheriff Department, American School Bus, RTA, Children of America, Oly Farms Petting Zoo and plenty of generous raffles, provided by Orland Park’s very own, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery and more.

Additionally, the Secretary of State Mobile Unit was also available for guests to utilize. Attendees were able to obtain student’s birth certificates and passports were available, along with social security cards, and driver’s license and Illinois State IDs.

Along with all of the quality information given out at the free event, Orland Park’s police and fire departments met with families and showcased several safety demonstrations.

“Orland Township’s Back to School Health Fair has been a staple in our community for many years, and has majorly grown into the event it is since Supervisor Paul O’Grady took office in 2009,” Shipyor said.

O’Grady plans to carry on the Back to School Health Fair each summer.

“Students will be back in school before we know it.” O’Grady said. “Support for our schoolchildren, parents, and teachers needs to be easily accessible.”

Orland Township hosted a Back to School Health Fair on July 28.