CVCH health fair helps families gear up for the school year

EAST WENATCHEE — As families prepare for the start of another school year, Columbia Valley Community Health will once again offer free school supplies, community resources and other services during its annual Back-to-School Health Fair.

The event will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at CVCH, 980 Eastmont Ave. in East Wenatchee.

The free event is designed to help students head back to the classroom with the supplies and support they need before the first day of school. Organizers will distribute 1,200 backpacks filled with school supplies for students in kindergarten through 12th grade on a first-come, first-served basis.

The giveaway also eases some of the burden on teachers, who routinely supplement classroom supplies with money from their own pockets when students arrive without the materials they need. A survey from Adopt A Classroom in 2025 showed that teachers were spending nearly $900 on basic needs for students per year.

Families will also be able to pick up free haircut coupons for boys and girls, courtesy of Cutting Edge Barber Shop, and connect with local organizations offering community resources and services.

Unlike many back-to-school events, no registration is required.

"We are excited to once again host our Back-to-School Health Fair and partner with our community to help students start the school year healthy, confident and ready to learn," said Dulce Negrete, clinic manager at Columbia Valley Community Health. "This event reflects our commitment to improving access to healthcare services and supporting the well-being of local families."

The annual fair has grown into one of the area's largest back-to-school outreach events, drawing families from across the Wenatchee Valley while bringing together healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations and community partners in one location. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, call Columbia Valley Community Health at 509-662-6000 or visit them on social media at facebook.com/ColumbiaValleyCommunityHealth for updates.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media