Volunteers provide child safety tips during UW Health Kids Safety Fair

UW Health Kids Safety Fair

UICOMR medical students, family medicine residents, faculty and outreach workers from UI Health Mile Square Health Center-L.P. Johnson Rockford were out in full force at the UW Health Kids Safety Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at UW Health’s clinic.

“Healing Hands’ [and the Pediatric medical student interest groups] participation in the Kids Safety Health Fair allowed us to give back to the community that supports our learning every day,” says second-year medical students Amaan Chalisa and Kayla Wartman. “By teaching simple first aid, we not only honed our skills as medical students, but also empowered children with practical knowledge that they can carry into adulthood. It’s a privilege to support their well-being and help shape a healthier future for the next generation.”

Thirteen UICOMR medical students participated in the event: Teodora Bozic, Amaan Chalisa, Hattie Gibson, Kylie Graves, Nawon Kim, Lauren Mitchell, Jacelyn Renee, Randi Rotramel, Melissa Singleton, Luke Spalding, Charlee Stewart, Kayla Wartman and Catherine Wilkinson.

The family medicine residents who participated were Dr. Amrita Jaiprakash (PGY2) and Dr. Priyanka Patel (PGY1). Dr. Karen Liao, associate director of academic programs and UI Health Mile Square Health Center-L.P. Johnson Rockford outreach workers Sara Silvers and Anays Appino, also helped.

“The UICOMR Family Medicine Residency Program takes pride in showing our resident learners that health care providers can serve as advocates to drive meaningful progress toward health equity and improve health outcomes by connecting with our community,” Liao says. “We had a blast spending time with kids and families at the UW Health Kids Safety Fair. We cherish all opportunities to connect with the Rockford community in every way we can.”

The event was an excellent opportunity for parents to gain valuable safety insights for their children while ensuring everyone has fun in a safe environment. Various booths offered information on illnesses, injuries, treatments and more.