ODU offers free community care clinic for K-12 students

NORFOLK, Va. — Old Dominion University and its community partners are making sure students head back to school with more than just supplies, but also healthy. 

To do that, Officials with ODU are bringing back their free community care clinic for a fourth year in a row. And there are still a few spots left for families in need to sign up. 

That’s why the Old Dominion University ‘Community Care Clinic’ is back for its fourth year, offering free school and sports physicals for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. 

The event is free, which mean if someone shows up without insurance and identification and it won’t stop a child from receiving  care. 

“We are approaching the patient not just with let’s get your physical done, sports or school. and check the box. Let’s look at your teeth. How are you doing mentally,” said Tammy Speerhas, the ODU Community Care Director. 

Speerhas and Dr. Jessica Parrott with ODU say this event isn’t just a routine exam, but a full check-in on the mind and body, so students can be healthy and play harder. 

“We are approaching the patient not just with let’s get your physical done, sports or school. and check the box,” Dr. Jessica Parrott, ODU Community. “Let’s look at your teeth. How are you doing mentally.”

It’s a nurse-led, student ran event. Students can recieve eye, dental, medical, and mental health services. It’s all an effort to provide education, support, and access to healthcare. 

“We have a lot of families that are just moving into the area,” said Dr. Parrot. “They don’t have an established pediatricians, they’re not able to get in as a new patient and to get their physical exams.”

Dr. Parrott and Speerhas says 107 families have already registered and they expect to provide about 150 physical exams. 

Those patients will be helped by nearly 100 Old Dominion University Nursing students and professionals across different specialties.

The event will also tackle other barriers around food and health. Organizers say several community partners, such as FoodLion will be handing out non-parishable goods and Sentara will offer additional health services.

The event is tomorrow, July 22nd at ODU’s Virginia Beach Higher Education Center on University Drive. The event starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 6 pm. 

Appointments are strongly encouraged and there are still a few spots left. 

To secure a spot and guarantee entry, submit a registration form.