Miami Gardens hosts free annual back-to-school event for students

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Students in Miami-Dade County are getting help preparing for the upcoming school year through a free back-to-school physical event offering health screenings, sports exams and school supplies.

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Miami Gardens Councilwoman Michelle Powell hosted the second annual Back-to-School Physical Event Saturday at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, providing students with required physical exams for school enrollment and athletic participation.

“While supplies are amazing and kids need these tools, the most important thing is a healthy child ready to go back to school,” Powell said.

The event expanded this year to include EKG screenings for student athletes and vision screenings for children who have not had recent eye exams. Students participating in sports were able to complete athletic physicals required for competition.

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Powell, a family physician, said the goal is to make sure students have access to health resources while helping families manage the costs of preparing for a new school year.

“A healthy child has a healthy mind and is the foundation for success,” she said.

Community partners, including the Black Nurses Association, Lions Club, Cultural Collective and local businesses, provided health services, supplies and resources for families. Students were also able to choose school supplies from an event “shopping mall” featuring backpacks, pencils and other items.

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