In celebration of children returning to school, non-profit health insurance organization EmblemHealth put together a series of back-to-school events across New York City for families to take part in before the school year officially started.
During the events, EmblemHealth — along with its community resource center EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care — held back-to-school giveaways for families that were in attendance.
Among the back-to-school items that EmblemHealth provided, free of charge, for families at the events were backpacks, various school supplies, as well as school care packages
In total, EmblemHealth says that it distributed over 15,000 school bags, as well as over 7,500 school kits at the event.
On top of handing out school supplies to ensure families were well prepared for the school year, EmblemHealth also provided complimentary onsite health care.
At EmblemHealth's 14 Neighborhood Care centers (EHNC) — which are located throughout the NYC Metro Area and Long Island — each center provided families and community members free in-person and virtual health services, health education and wellness classes, as well as connected New Yorkers with community resources to address social determinants of health (SDOH).
When it comes to back-to-school preparations for families, EmblemHealth Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Beth Leonard says that health is something that can be overlooked, and that it is important that families do what they can to make sure they are prioritizing their health during back-to-school season.
"Back-to-school is both exciting and stressful for families across New York City. When gathering school supplies, clothing, and other needs, health can take a backseat," Leonard said. "Let's ensure the whole family is up to date with their healthcare needs and prepare our children for a successful school year.”
