As families across North Texas prepare for another school year, shopping lists are filling up with notebooks, backpacks, and new clothes. But according to Kaitlyn Holmes, Community Marketing Manager for Prism Health North Texas, one of the most important back-to-school essentials isn’t found in the school supply aisle.

“When we think about back-to-school season, we usually think about backpacks, school supplies, and new clothes,” Holmes said. “But health is also an important part of getting ready.”

For many parents, preparing for a successful school year also means making sure children are healthy, protected, and connected to the care they need before they return to the classroom.

Building a Healthy Foundation for Learning

Before students head back to school, Holmes encourages families to check off a few important healthcare milestones.

Children should be up to date on recommended vaccinations, complete any required sports or school physicals, schedule dental checkups, and establish care with a primary care provider who can support them throughout the year.

“At Prism Health North Texas, we have a team that helps families with everyday healthcare needs so kids can start the school year feeling their best,” Holmes said.

Preventive care not only helps students stay healthy in the classroom, but also reduces the likelihood of missed school days caused by preventable illnesses.

Removing Barriers for Families

For many North Texas families, getting ready for school involves more than checking items off a shopping list. Finding appointments, paying for healthcare, taking time away from work, and navigating multiple providers can create additional stress during an already busy season.

“Every family wants their child to have a great start to the school year,” Holmes said. “Sometimes there are barriers that make accessing care more difficult.”

Prism Health North Texas works to reduce those challenges by offering affordable healthcare, convenient clinic locations, and support services designed to help families navigate the healthcare system with confidence.

The organization accepts Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and most private insurance plans. For patients without insurance, PHNTX offers a sliding fee scale based on household income, ensuring cost does not prevent families from receiving care.

A Healthy Start to School Bash

To help families prepare for the first day of school, Prism Health North Texas will host its Healthy Start to School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Oak Cliff Health Center.

The free community event combines healthcare resources with family fun, allowing parents to complete several back-to-school tasks in one visit.

Families can receive free sports physicals, dental screenings, assistance scheduling vaccine appointments, school supplies, haircuts, and information from community partners offering additional resources and giveaways.

Each child attending the event will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies while supplies last. Food, music, games, and family activities will also be available throughout the morning.

“Families can come out, have a great time, and check some important things off their back-to-school list all in one place,” Holmes said.

More Than a One-Day Event

While the Healthy Start to School Bash offers an opportunity to connect with local families, Holmes says the event is also about introducing neighbors to healthcare resources that remain available long after the school year begins.

Community events allow families to meet providers, tour the clinic, ask questions, and become familiar with the services available close to home.

“We want families to know affordable healthcare is available right here in their neighborhood,” Holmes said.

For parents who cannot attend the event, Prism Health North Texas continues to provide comprehensive care throughout the year, including pediatric and adult primary care, on-site pharmacy and laboratory services, and connections between healthcare providers and school nurses when needed.

Supporting Students All Year Long

A successful school year depends on more than classroom instruction. Healthy students are better equipped to learn, participate, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

By combining affordable healthcare with community outreach and family-centered events, Prism Health North Texas continues to invest in healthier neighborhoods across Dallas.

Whether families are preparing for the first day of school or scheduling routine care later in the year, PHNTX remains committed to making quality healthcare accessible for every child and every family.