Love’s Healthy Start Fest, a back-to-school community event, was sponsored by State Representative Harold Love Jr., Tennessee State University, and several local and national organizations last week.  The activity was held at Hadley Park on Saturday, August 3.

Called a day of free family fun, organizers say Love’s Healthy Start Fest was  “a hands-on way for the community to rally around educational success, physical health and safe communities”  for Nashville’s children and youth.

There was a health fair, free backpacks and school supplies as well as food and drinks at not cost to the participants. On site there was a variety of live music and vocal performances by local entertainers of all ages.

Representatives from the TSU departments of Nursing  and Dental Hygiene, including students,  conducted health screenings that included height and weight measurements, blood pressure checks, visual acuity tests, dental screenings, patient education on brushing and flossing; and coupons for free cleanings for children, available in the TSU Dental Hygiene Clinic.  Participants also received toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Included in this back-to-school outdoors event were cooking demos and other fun activities, a part of the Metropolitan Nashville Public School Community Achieves Initiative, the Gideon Peace Project, and the Children’s Defense Fund Sabbath weekend.

The lineup of events promoted student, parental, community and organizational involvement in education, health and safety.
Other sponsors and key collaborators in the inaugural Love’s Healthy Start Fest were Mount Carmel Baptist Church and the Urban League of Middle Tennessee.