Backpacks and Health Resources Provided to Students During Well-Child Visits in Arizona and Texas
PHOENIX, AZ – Equality Health Foundation, in partnership with Mercy Care, UnitedHealthcare, Banner Health, Equality Health, and the Tony & Milena Astorga Foundation, is proud to host this year’s Well-Child & Back-to-School Drive, an initiative designed to ensure that every child starts the school year healthy and equipped for success. On June 4, volunteers gathered at Equality Health Foundation headquarters in Scottsdale to pack 2,000 backpacks with school supplies and wellness resources for distribution across Arizona and Texas.
This initiative will have a meaningful reach given its direct partnership with pediatric and family medicine providers in Equality Health’s network of providers. Backpacks will be distributed during well-child visits, where families will also receive access to comprehensive health screenings, immunizations, and physical exams all aimed at supporting school readiness and closing care gaps.
“Through this drive, we’re not only helping students start the school year prepared, we’re connecting families to preventive care that can make a lasting impact,” said Tomás León, president and executive director of Equality Health Foundation. “By partnering with providers who serve these communities every day, we’re able to deliver care proactively and promote well-being as a foundation for academic success.”
Participating healthcare practices will distribute backpacks to patients throughout June and July, reinforcing the importance of attending recommended well-child visits. These visits often include vision, hearing, dental, and developmental screenings, services that are vital for identifying potential issues early and supporting long-term health.
Despite the importance of well-child care, national data shows that children miss between 30% and 50% of these essential visits before the age of six. Barriers such as transportation, work schedules, and access to information can make it difficult for many families in underserved communities to keep up with preventive care.
By integrating school readiness efforts with trusted clinical touchpoints, Equality Health Foundation and its partners are helping families overcome these obstacles and create stronger links between health and education.
With back-to-school spending projected to reach $586 per K-12 student this year, according to Deloitte, the cost of supplies alone can be out of reach for many families. This drive helps alleviate that burden by providing backpacks filled with essentials, at no cost, alongside valuable health education materials.
“Thanks to numerous outreach opportunities last year, including a series of back-to-school events, more than 8,800 Mercy Care members were able to complete their well-child visits ahead of the school year,” said Dr. Gagandeep Singh, chief medical officer, Mercy Care. “Partnering with local organizations helps us respond more effectively to the social and economic barriers many Arizona families face. We’re honored to be part of this important initiative.”
The continued success of this event is made possible through the generous contributions of sponsors, healthcare providers, and volunteers. Equality Health Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the individuals and organizations working together to help students start the year healthy, confident, and ready to learn.
Equality Health Foundation, the philanthropic partner of Equality Health, is an organization dedicated to advancing health equity and improving well-being access for underserved communities. Through initiatives like the Well-Child & Back to School Drive, the foundation strives to create a healthier, more equitable future for all.
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