Free Health Screenings in Rural Wayne County Reach Hundreds of Children, Break Down Barriers to Early Childhood Care
Wayne County, NY – Families from the Red Creek Central School District came together Wednesday, June 25, at Cuyler Elementary School in Red Creek for free early childhood health screenings through the Wayne County Get Ready to GROW program. The program is supported by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Health Equity Innovation Initiatives.
In rural areas where access to care can be limited, the Get Ready to GROW program removes barriers by providing essential comprehensive pediatric screenings – such as vision, hearing, dental, and speech – directly to families and connects them to vital health resources.
“Every child deserves the chance to learn and have their needs addressed early,” says Jill Harper, R.N., optimal health director for Wayne County Community Schools. “We know access can be a challenge—so we bring care to families. By supporting children now, we can help prevent bigger issues down the road.”
With Excellus BCBS’s support, this program is transforming how care is delivered – right where people live, work, and raise their families.
“As a local nonprofit health plan, we understand that advancing health equity starts at the community level,” says Matthew Wagstaff, community investments and partnerships director for Excellus BCBS. “Early intervention is key to building healthier children and communities. We’re proud to support the Get Ready to GROW program which allows families access to vital information and resources that can shape a child’s future before kindergarten even begins.”
The event draws attention to the growing need for accessible, preventive care in rural New York communities—and the powerful role collaboration plays in closing those gaps. With the support of local schools, health professionals and dedicated community partners, the Get Ready to GROW program continues to build a healthier future for children—one screening at a time.
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Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company's mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With more than 4,200 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.