Backpacks, new shoes and pencils aren’t the only things to consider as students return to school…North Carolina law mandates that children be current on immunizations to enroll.
The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) with Mecklenburg County Public Health and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, hosts three Big Shots Saturday events, from 9am until 4pm. This year, the clinics were held September 9, 13 and 23 allowing students to meet the immunization deadline set by the schools of September 27. Since the events take place on Saturdays, students don’t have to miss school and parents don’t have to miss work.
In 2016, the JLC’s Big Shots Committee hosted two clinics administering over 1,000 vaccines. For 2017, the Junior League contributed $6,500 and an estimated 1,600 volunteer hours. The 18 member Big Shots JLC Committee works side by side with registered nurses provided by the Mecklenburg County Public Health department. The shots are administered by the nurses, so committee members are not required to be healthcare professionals. The JLC committee members support the administering of vaccinations, assist with crowd control, support the screening process, serve as nurse aids and help calm and entertain the children.
Carlene Bowden, the Vice Chair for Big Shots and a Registered Nurse, said the placement interested her since it focuses on the health and wellbeing of children. She said, “I have learned that the Big Shots event is very much appreciated and needed in the community. Big Shots is a very important placement; there are so many kids that are behind in their immunizations.”
Written by Sarah Wetenhall
