Alabama is leading the way in a one-of-a kind child healthcare screening organized by Sight Savers America.
Four years ago, Governor Bob Riley started a program, that went into rural areas, to provided free healthcare screenings for children who may not otherwise get medical attention.
That program, has spread across the state, and is the only one of its kind in the nation.
15-year-old Saranda Blythe remembers her first KidCheck screening in elementary school and how future screenings revealed a more serious condition.
"They realized I had vision problems," Blythe recalls. "A couple years later they realized I had scoliosis, then a couple years later they realized I had blood pressure problems and if it wasn't for them figuring out those tid-bits, I might not of realized I had dysautonomia."
Blythe, like thousands of other children in Alabama have received free health screenings through KidCheck. For many children, it is the only checkup they get.
Through the KidCheck program, two and four year nursing students provide comprehensive screenings, from height and weight, to ear nose and throat, checking for any abnormalities.
KidCheck started in Blount and Bibb counties four-years-ago. Now, it has spread across the state, screening more than 30,000 children a year. It is the only program of its kind in the nation.
"(KidCheck) is not intended to replace a doctors visit in any way. But as an early
detection, to provide a new resource for school nurses and parents, as we detect problems
and are able to get children to the care that they need." KidCheck director Chad Nicols said.
