Texas Tech Health Fair Serves 300 El Paso Children With Free Physicals, Backpacks

More than 300 El Paso children and their families attended a health fair on July 11 at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso at Alberta, where pediatricians offered free physicals and community partners provided dental screenings, mental health resources and school supplies, according to El Paso Matters.

The Superheroes Health Fair, hosted by the General Pediatrics Outpatient Division in partnership with El Paso Health, brought together 25 community organizations. Clinic staff performed more than 30 physicals, including Texas Health Steps checkups, well-child visits and sports physicals. Most checkups were covered by Medicaid or private insurance, while uninsured children could receive sports physicals for $25.

El Paso Health sponsored 300 backpacks distributed to attending children. The fair also included dental education from Hunt School of Dental Medicine students, face painting, photos, music and popcorn, with costumed superheroes on hand to meet children while parents connected with health professionals.

Dr. Maria Theresa Villanos, division chief of ambulatory pediatrics and medical director of the pediatric clinic, said the turnout demonstrated demand for accessible healthcare delivered in a family-friendly setting. "It was packed," Villanos said, according to El Paso Matters. "The families enjoyed popcorn, music, face painting, photos at the photo booth and the appearance of the superheroes, plus raffle prizes and healthy lifestyle counseling."

Dr. Julianna M. Khoury-Martin, assistant professor and chair of community outreach for the Pediatrics Ambulatory Division, attributed the event's success to coordination among healthcare providers and community groups. "We were very excited to see the community come together for children's health in preparation for this school year," Khoury-Martin said. "The capacity attendance speaks volumes, especially after the event's hiatus following COVID."

Participating organizations included departments from the Foster School of Medicine, the Hunt School of Dental Medicine and the Child Psychiatry Access Network. Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso operates the Alberta pediatric clinic with board-certified pediatricians, same-day appointments and a 24-hour parent hotline.