Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Chicago Tribune - July 27, 2008
Russell Working, rworking@tribune.com
He also got a warning from a health-care worker, who told him that kids even younger than Muhammad have tested positive for HIV.
The eventùorganized by volunteers and sponsored by Stroger Hospital and other organizationsùoffered screenings and immunizations so young people could show up to school healthy.
"Some man was passing out fliers, and he said they'd be giving all the tests before school, and you don't want to get a disease at school," Lugman said.
Brienda Crosby-Averhart and Binta Auta, community volunteers who organized the event for the second year, said it has grown since last year, when they used their own money to support it.
This time, businesses donated hot dogs and pizza, and community groups rallied around the event in the 2300 block of West Flournoy Street. Physicians from Stroger provided the medical screenings that are required before children return to school.
"Our kids need help," Crosby-Averhart said. "And not only that, but they need medical help. Because a lot of people, they mistrust the medical profession, and so you have to go out to the community."
Dr. Ligaya Marasigan, an obstetrician-gynecologist, said the event gave her a chance to talk directly to girls.
"Very importantly, when our kids understand their [sexual] health, especially the girls, we can teach them how to say no properly and graciously," Marasigan said.
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