KidSmart Outreach Program Screens for Hidden Health Problems
Dominican's KidSmart in Schools outreach effort has grown by leaps and bounds since it started in 1994 to assess the hearing and vision of children just entering school. That year, the screening van operating in conjunction with the Lions Club, visited five schools and conducted 1,503 hearing and vision tests on 840 students.
To date, the program has served more than 60,000 students. With schools facing cutbacks in staff, including school nurses, KidSmart is more important than ever. "Our hats off to Dominican's KidSmart program for helping thousands of kids get a good start to the school year and to their learning," says Diane Siri, County Superintendent of Schools.
Early detection of vision, hearing or spinal problems has been identified by the United Way as a crucial service, says Sister Michaella Siplak, who manages Dominican Hospital's Community Outreach Program.
"Many parents don't have the time or money to get their children basic health care," explains Dominican Health Outreach Coordinator Sister Madeline Dervin. "This way we help the underserved," she says.
Many principals, parents and even students express gratitude for the program, says Sister Madeline. "The parents often say something like, 'I'm so grateful you're doing this for them,'" she says.
"KidSmart is a way we carry out our mission of providing health care to the underserved," says Sister Michaella.
Helping Us Help the Kids
Just like the thousands of children it serves, Dominican's KidSmart program continues to grow...with your help.
Now in its second decade, the Hospital's first community outreach program provides free vision and hearing -- and in some cases scoliosis -- screenings for public and private schools in Santa Cruz and San Benito counties and parts of the North Monterey Bay Area.
Donations to Dominican Hospital Foundation help keep KidSmart prosperous. Call the Foundation at (831) 462-7712.
