Free health screenings for underprivileged kids

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Underprivileged children received free health care screenings at Barnes Air National Guard Base Friday morning.

One hundred fifty children took part in the Guard Care program, which offers a free complete physical, including height, weight, blood pressure, hearing, vision, and dental screenings.

The 10-year old program takes the burden off families in need.

Bryan Sabadoso of Westfield took his granddaughter for a screening and says it gives them piece of mind.

"It's going to be a great help on my wife and I.  We're both trying to work and raise two grandchildren and we are pretty much stressed out everyday and being able to come here, it'll give us a little break," said Sabadoso.

Officials at the Community Action Parent Child Development Centers, formally known as Head Start, said the program fills a void for families who cannot access or afford health care.

"This is a wonderful service to us because we are able to get the children in and do the screenings in a very timely manner and it's great for the families.  It's just a one stop type of thing where they can get all these services done today," said Erma Hinson, a Health Manager at CAPCDC.

The kids are required to have a physical within 45 days of beginning the Head Start program.