Kids receive screenings, supplies and more at Asheville back-to-school health fair

August 2, 2026 - 12:00

Appalachian Mountain Health hosted a back-to-school event in Asheville this week, offering free health screenings and essential supplies to local children. The fair aimed to ease the transition into the new school year by addressing both medical and practical needs under one roof.

Families lined up for vision and hearing checks, dental screenings, and immunization updates, all provided at no cost. Beyond the medical side, kids received backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, and other classroom necessities. Volunteers also handed out water bottles, hand sanitizer, and healthy snacks to reinforce everyday habits.

Organizers said the goal was to remove barriers that often keep children from starting school ready to learn. For many parents, the event saved both time and money, especially with rising costs for school supplies. One mother noted that she had been worried about affording new shoes and a physical exam, but left with both plus a bag of supplies.

The fair also included interactive stations where children could practice tying shoes or learn about proper handwashing in a fun way. Local dentists demonstrated brushing techniques using oversized models, and a few lucky kids won bicycle helmets in a raffle.

Appalachian Mountain Health plans to hold similar events in surrounding counties over the next few weeks. Staff emphasized that the effort is about more than just checkups, it is about building a healthier community one child at a time. With the first day of school just around the corner, the event gave families one less thing to stress about.