“Keeping Kids Safe” was the theme at the 7th Annual Westside Safety Fair held at Westside Healthcare on Wednesday, May 22.

Sponsored by the LRGHealthcare Community Education Department, many parents and caregivers in the community look forward to this annual event as a fun and interactive way to educate children by engaging them with skilled community partners who relay important tips on ways to stay safe.

Community Educators from LRGHealthcare were on hand to provide bike helmet safety checks and to educate on car seat safety and 5-2-1-0 nutrition information. The Franklin Mayor’s Drug Task Force featured medication safety information and promoted their medication “take back” box at the Franklin Police Department. The New Hampshire Highway Traffic Safety Agency encouraged seat belt use by all and spoke to parents about the importance of setting a good example early on in a child’s life. HealthFirst Family Care Center provided free lead screening for children; the Caring Community Network of the Twin Rivers (CCNTR) demonstrated the harmful effects of sun exposure with sun safety screenings and members passed out free sunscreen.

Professionals from Children’s Dentistry of the Lakes Region talked about the importance of good dental hygiene and supplied coloring books with a healthy message to children. The Army Corp of Engineers had their water safety trailer on display and spoke about the importance of wearing a flotation device in and around water. The Franklin Fire Department brought Engine 4 and their Ambulance to the fair for kids to explore and learn important fire safety tips.

A special thanks to Mix 94.1FM for their help in promoting the event and being present with a live broadcast. The Westside Clinic Safety Fair was a huge success thanks to the many community partners!