‘Growing Up Healthy’ Child Safety and Resource Fair to be Hosted by Four DHHS Programs on Saturday, May 20, in Wheaton

Per Montgomery County: Four Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) programs are joining efforts to host the first-ever “Growing Up Healthy Child Safety and Resource Fair” from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, at the Wheaton Regional Park. This free event was created to connect families to community resources and services that will help their children grow up healthy. DHHS programs that will be at the fair are the African American Health Program (AAHP), the Babies Born Healthy Program (BBH), the Early Childhood Child Care Support Services and the Improved Pregnancy Outcomes Program. Wheaton Regional Park is located at 2000 Shorefield Rd. in Wheaton. Free parking is available. To attend the event, register online.

“With summer just around the corner, it is important for parents and guardians to have knowledge and resources to keep their kid’s health and safe during summer break and beyond,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The Growing Up Healthy Resource Fair will offer information about a range of health and safety topics. I encourage all residents who are caring for children to attend this event. We want this summer to be fun, joyous, and free from danger for everyone.”

In addition to child health and safety information, the event will have activities for children including the park’s carousel and miniature train, as well as face painting. The resource fair will include information available on issues related to child health and safety including car seat safety, pool safety and bike and pedestrian safety. All become more important as schools close in June and plans for summer vacations are made.

“Every child deserves to grow up healthy and safe,” said Angeline Bell, nurse manager of the Babies Born Healthy Program. “We are thrilled to get out into the community and meet people where they are as summer approaches and families engage in more outdoor activities. These resources and demonstrations will help our parents and children have a happy, fun and safe summer ahead.”
At the event, there will be resources on:

• Childhood and adolescent immunizations
• Lead poisoning prevention
• Asthma program
• Child safety and babyproofing
• Child care services
• Summer camp and recreation programs
• Information on Medicaid services

The fair will have demonstrations on:

• Fire and Rescue Services
• Car seat safety
• Bike safety
• Infant and child CPR

The BBH program works to decrease disparities and reduce infant mortality among babies born to African American women by providing care coordination services to help at-risk pregnant women connect with resources and to help them stay healthy through their pregnancies. For more information, visit the DHHS website.

The AAHP is one of three minority health programs in DHHS and works to eliminate health disparities and improve the number and quality of years of life for African Americans and people of African descent. For more information, visit the AAHP website.

Early Childhood Child Care Support Services connects comprehensive services that support and build a successful child care delivery system through coaching, consultation, professional development, and individualized support. For more information, visit their website.

The Improved Pregnancy Outcomes Program works to increase healthy pregnancy outcomes and address related racial disparities by improving healthcare systems and community resources.

For more information about the fair, call 240-777-3118 or visit the “hot topics” section of the DHHS website.