[4 min read]
In this article:
- The event at the Providence Swedish Performance Center & Clubhouse in Renton, brought together Providence Swedish, Seattle Sounders FC, and community partners to prepare students for the upcoming school year and fall sports season.
- Beyond physicals and vaccinations, students and families could connect with Providence Swedish’s behavioral health specialists, sports medicine teams, and other experts through six health resource tables.
- Providence Swedish also partnered with HealthPoint, administering 190 vaccinations to ensure students were up-to-date before classes begin.
- Watch the video recap to learn more and share in the excitement of this special day.
For Renton parent Neil Tannan, the back-to-school season always comes with a long to-do list. This year, one big item – his son’s required sports physical – was made easier thanks to the third annual Community Assist: Renton School District Health Fair.
“As a parent, I really appreciate it,” Tannan said. “It makes it easy for us to get our son ready for back to school. Access is incredible. I’m just appreciative as a parent to have a free event like this.”
The event, hosted Aug. 14 at the Providence Swedish Performance Center & Clubhouse in Renton, brought together Providence Swedish, the Seattle Sounders, and community partners to prepare students for the upcoming school year and fall sports season. Over 310 students received free sports physicals removing a barrier for families who might otherwise face challenges with access, insurance, or scheduling.
Volunteers powering the effort
The six-hour health fair was made possible by more than 60 Providence Swedish volunteers, including over 30 nurses, physicians, advanced practice clinicians, and medical assistants. They were joined by 30 additional community volunteers who staffed check-in, resource tables, and translation support. Providence Swedish also partnered with HealthPoint, administering 190 vaccinations to ensure students were up-to-date before classes begin.
Beyond physicals and vaccinations, students and families could connect with Providence Swedish’s behavioral health specialists, sports medicine teams, and other experts through six health resource tables. The Providence Swedish Workforce Development team proved especially popular, engaging students in conversations about future career pathways in health care.
To support every student, Providence’s Health Equity team provided a donated virtual translation device, while two medically trained Spanish translators were on-site to ensure no language barrier stood in the way of care.
Community voices and impact
Providence Swedish physician Dr. Troy Henning said the event provides more than just routine check-ups.
“We’re giving physical exams prior to the school year starting for over a couple hundred athletes,” Henning explained. “It’s an important touchpoint for some of these student athletes. It’s a good time for us to learn who they are, what kind of medical problems they may have to help reduce their risk of injury during the sport.”
Seattle Sounders FC Chief Revenue Officer Courtney Carter emphasized how the partnership brings real impact off the field.
“All these doctors and nurses who have come to volunteer their time to give these physicals for free. This is a partnership that goes beyond the pitch, that goes beyond this clubhouse, and into the community,” she said.
Renton School District Superintendent Dr. Damien Pattenaude echoed that sentiment.
“The thing I will say about Providence and Sounders FC is that they have been truly some of the best partners we’ve ever had in the Renton School District,” Pattenaude said. “They have been tremendous partners who are just in it for the right reasons, and that’s to support the kids.”
The health fair has grown into a trusted resource for the Renton School District community over its three years. Students and families were also able to meet with Sounders players and tour the clubhouse, adding to the excitement of the day. Parents, students, and school leaders joined to celebrate the event’s impact and highlight how it is removing barriers while building resilience for local youth.
“Feedback from families shows just how vital this event has become,” said Dowdy. “We’re fulfilling our promise to deliver mental health services and create a culture of wellness for all students.”
For parents like Neil Tannan, the benefits are already being felt: “It takes a lot off our plate,” he said. “This is exactly the kind of support families need as we get kids ready to succeed in school and in life.”
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s wellness, Swedish Pediatrics can help. Call today to schedule a visit.
You can also contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or advanced practice clinician. If you or a child have an illness, you can connect virtually with a member of your care team who can review the symptoms and provide instruction and follow up as needed.
With Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. If you don’t have a doctor, use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
For vaccine and health care guidance, trust the experts
Routine mental health talks with kids help make home a stigma-free zone
Vaccinations help your kids stay healthy now and in the future
Your kiddos have unique health needs from 6 to 12. Here's some guidance to help them thrive.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Providence Swedish experts in the media
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About the Author
More Content by Swedish Community Relations Team
