Education is a social driver of health. Multiple studies have linked education to health behaviors, employment, income, and even life expectancy. This is why setting children up for educational success is a focus for the Aurora Medical Center – Washington County.

Each year, Washington County community agencies team up to host the Back-to-School Fair for children in need. A group of Aurora Medical Center – Washington County teammates have volunteered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington County site for the last three years. The teammates engage kids in education and play while they move through the backpack fair, collecting their necessary school supplies. In 2023, 750 area children received their brand-new backpack and school supplies between two fair sites.

Our work does not stop there. Some other examples of our partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County includes:
 

• Our Pediatric Rehab Team provides education on child speech development, social emotional learning, and safety tips,
• Hospital leadership serve on the board,
• We financially support the Summer Meal Program, and
• Our community outreach nurse educator manages all aspects of outreach education including first aid/CPR training, mental health, physical activity, and nutrition.

Through this work, Aurora Medical Center – Washington County hopes to provide children from underserved communities with the resources they need to be successful on their education journey.