News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

August 19, 2002

Harman Hosts Back-To-School Health Fair

SAN PEDRO - Children from across the Harbor area received free immunizations at a health fair sponsored by Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Redondo Beach) at Harbor Free Clinic in San Pedro.

"It's back-to-school time, and as parents we all have a lot to do to prepare," said Harman. "Ensuring our children's health should be our first priority." Harman also added, "A healthy mind comes with a healthy body. Vaccinating children now ensures that students will not be caught in the last minute rush before the school year starts."

California requires all children entering kindergarten and 7th grade to be vaccinated against common childhood illnesses, such as measles and chicken pox. The cost of the full schedule of 15 immunizations can be prohibitive, and the availability of free vaccines is limited by resources.

Harbor Free Clinic is an independent clinic that receives funds from Los Angeles County through the Public-Private Partnership Program. Proposed cuts to the County health budget could jeopardize support for this program.

Harman spoke about the need for sustained County funding: "I pledge to do everything I can to find additional federal funds for Los Angeles County's public healthcare system."

Latino Health Care, a Long Beach-based insurance company, enrolled children in the State Healthy Families program at the event. Pediatric nurses from Kaiser Permanente's Harbor City Medical Center also donated their time to conduct health screenings at the clinic.

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