The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority will co-sponsor a
week-long sports physical program at Detroit’s Northwestern High
School, together with the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion, ThinkDetroit PAL and several area health plans April 13-17, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sports physicals and well-child exams will be provided free to youth ages 5 to 21. Sports backpacks will be given to the first 100 participants each day.

The program is open to all students who need physicals. Appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, call the Northwestern High School Teen Clinic at 313-596-0700, ext. 388.

“Youth programs, youth activities and youth sports programs are essential for the well being of students.  The Health Authority is committed to ensuring that all young people have access to health care services so they can successfully participate in youth sport programs,” explained Chris Allen, Health Authority CEO. “Sports and back- to- school physicals are part of our overall commitment to helping provide prevention and wellness services in the health care safety net.”

Sports activities are important for youth development, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Sports and physical activity programs can introduce youth to skills such as teamwork, self-discipline, sportsmanship, leadership, and socialization. “Participation in physical activities can promote social well-being among youth. The lack of health insurance and other economic barriers shouldn’t negatively impact access to the health care services or sports physicals needed for young people to participate in organized sports activities,” explained Faith Polk, Medicaid Programs Director.

“With parents having to make tough economic decisions, health care costs associated with organized sports may be a barrier to participation,” said Polk. “Due to the recession, many parents have lost income and health care coverage, making their family members potentially eligible for certain health programs.” The Health Authority’s outreach staff will be available to answer questions and provide application assistance with Medicaid, MICHILD and other health services programs during the physical program.

“The City of Detroit supports ensuring access to health care for all city residents; one method is through our school-based health program,” according to Audrey Smith, General Manager, Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion. The department is a co-sponsor of the physical program. “The teen health center at Northwestern High School is available for young people ages 10 through 19 who need health care services, regardless of their ability to pay. We are happy to team up with Think Detroit PAL, through the facilitation of the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority.”

The sports physical program is one of the outreach programs coordinated by the Health Authority in schools throughout Wayne County.

The Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion School-Based Health Center at Northwestern High School, also a co-sponsor of the physical program, offers a variety of health services for young people ages 10 to 21, including primary care, physical exams/sports physicals, immunizations, nutrition programs, asthma control, mental health counseling, EPSDT screening, vision and hearing screening, vision and hearing screening, pregnancy testing, and STD testing.

Sponsors include The Detroit Department of Health and Wellness School-Based Health Center at Northwestern High School, and Medicaid health plans: Molina Healthcare, Health Plan of Michigan, ProCare Health Plan, Midwest Health Plan, Omni Care Health Plan, and Great Lakes Health Plan.