Hillsborough County to Provide Backpacks, School Supplies to Students

Hillsborough's Health and Social Services Department will support the county's free Back to School Physicals and Immunizations events throughout the summer by supplying free backpacks and school supplies to participating students.

Backpacks and school supplies will be handed out at the following events:

• Saturday, July 26 - Jackson Heights, NFL YET Center, 3310 East Lake Ave., Tampa, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. Call 813-242-5347.
• Saturday, Aug. 2 - Walden Lake Medical Arts Center, 1601 W. Timberlane Drive, Plant City, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointment required. Call 813-754-4444.
• Saturday, Aug. 2 - Mintz Elementary School, 1510 Heather Lakes Blvd., Brandon, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointment required. Call 813-870-4747.
• Saturday, Aug. 9 - Beth Shields Middle School, 3908 19th Ave. N.E., Ruskin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointment required. Call 813-870-4747.
• Saturday, Aug. 9 - Blake High School, 1701 North Blvd., Tampa, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointment required. Call 813-870-4747.
• Saturday, Aug. 16 - Town and Country Recreation Center, 6039 Hanley Road, Tampa, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointment required. Call 813-870-4747.
• Saturday, Aug. 16 - University Area Community Health Center, 13601 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. Call 813-870-4747.

The department is a member organization of the Back to School Coalition of Hillsborough County, which hosts Back to School Physicals and Immunizations. According to the county, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child patient at all times. An immunization record is required for free immunizations to school-aged children. Free school physicals are for any school-aged child entering a Florida school for the first time. These events will not include sports, Head Start or child care physicals.