SAN ANTONIO • Kohl’s Cares for Kids presented a check for $100,969 to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital for the pediatric mobile unit on Dec. 21 at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital (CSRCH).

    The unit was unveiled and a walk-through of the pediatric mobile clinic provided. Father Victor Laroche, OP, also blessed the vehicle.

     Kohl’s introduced the Cares for Kids program to promote children’s health and educational opportunities. Since 2003, Kohl’s has donated more than $249,000 to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s hospital through the program.

    The pediatric mobile clinic will provide comprehensive pediatric primary care including well child examinations, immunizations, early periodic screening diagnosis and treatment services, treatment of minor illnesses, referral and linkages to specialty care, education, assistance in applying for Medicaid and CHIP and prescription assistance.

    The goal is to link every child in the target area to a medical home, reduce emergency room visits, increase immunization rates and increase knowledge of health topics and healthy behavior for families.

    “The generosity of Kohl’s is immeasurable. The programs they have funded on behalf of the children and families of our community are gratefully received. As we look back at our accomplishments for 2006 and the assistance Kohl’s has provided us we count our blessings as we are honored to have a partner in Kohl’s Cares for Kids,” said Dr. Richard Wayne, vice president and administrator for CSRCH.
    “We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve created with children’s hospitals across the country, and are excited to join CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital in this endeavor,” stated Julie Gardner, senior vice president and chief brand officer of Kohl’s Department Stores. Other CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital efforts supported through the Kohl’s sponsorship include the Asthma Education Program. The Kohl’s Cares for Kids program raises funds through the net profits of the sale of special gift items.

    Carol Silvas, RN, director of Community Outreach, said the clinic will provide San Antonio’s near West side and other parts of the city with well-care programs as well as offer referrals for health and social services. “We hope to link every child to a medical home to reduce emergency room visits,” she explained.