JEFFERSON, Iowa – The calendar flips to July with fall sports practices starting to appear on the schedule and suddenly, families are staring at a growing back-to-school checklist. Physical forms, immunizations, wellness visits, sports injuries that haven’t quite healed yet and a first day of school that is arriving much faster than anyone expected.
“Starting the school year healthy sets students up for success both inside and outside the classroom,” said Family Medicine Clinic provider, Dawn Tingwald, ARNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC. “Whether making sure vaccinations are up to date, completing a wellness visit or getting cleared for sports participation, these appointments are about more than checking a box. They are an opportunity to identify concerns early, support healthy habits and help students begin the year ready to learn, grow and participate in the activities they enjoy.”
This is why Greene County Medical Center, Public Health and 21st Century Rehab are partnering again this year to help with your back-to-school healthcare services in one convenient location.
Free sports physicals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis Tuesday, July 14 and Thursday, July 16 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Family Medicine Clinic. No appointments or insurance are required; however, the student athlete will need to bring the most current sports physical form and a signed parental consent if the parent or legal guardian cannot accompany the student.
For athletes dealing with aches, pains or injuries before the season starts, 21st Century Rehab will be offering free sports injury assessments for students in grades 7 through 12. In addition, therapists and trainers are available one day each week during fall practice and are present at most sporting events to support our local athletes.
Greene County Public Health will be available to assist families with immunizations on the July clinic dates, as well as on Wednesday, July 15 and every third Wednesday of the month from 4 to 6:15 p.m. Appointments and walk-ins for immunizations are also available Monday through Friday during Public Health’s regular hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Even though there is no cost for the sports physicals and injury assessments, insurance or another form of payment will be required for immunizations and other healthcare-related services offered by the Family Medicine Clinic, 21st Century Rehab or the Specialty Clinic.
For more information, call the Family Medicine Clinic at 386-0500, Greene County Public Health at 386-3228 or 21st Century Rehab at 386-4284. Call 386-2488 for specialty services such as Behavior Health, Dermatology, Orthopedics, Podiatry, Audiology and more.