NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Children’s Hospital and Youth Empowerment Project, or YEP, will host the second annual “Back to School Fest” from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, at the New Orleans East Youth Opportunity Center, 12000 Hayne Blvd.
This free event includes food and drinks, games, STEM education activities and a backpack giveaway. Vision and hearing screenings will be available for kids, along with blood pressure checks for adults.
“Youth Empowerment Project has a significant impact on New Orleans families, and we are grateful for their partnership and support of Ochsner’s commitment to identify health needs and engage the community to promote better health and healthier communities,” said Carlos Calix, Ochsner Health assistant vice president for community affairs and school partnerships, in a release about the event. “This event is crucial, coming just before the new school year, which is a critical time of preparation for families and students.”
In addition to helping families prepare students to return to the classroom, the “Back to School Fest” also meets a major community need says organizers. The event provides convenient access to health screenings and health literacy education material as part of Ochsner’s commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of the communities it serves.
“For the second year, the Youth Empowerment Project is thrilled to partner with Ochsner Health and Ochsner Children’s Hospital, and work collectively to promote health awareness and provide education resources within the New Orleans East community,” said Melissa Sawyer, YEP co-founder and CEO. “With YEP’s mentoring and empowerment activities, Back to School Fest is an annual event that provides entire families with a jump start to the new school term mindful of the importance of health, wellness, and education.