Sponsored by the OSF Saint Anthony pediatrics, trauma/ emergency services and Lifeline departments, the Ninth Annual Children’s Health and Safety Safari will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 18, on the campus of OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

 The event is free and open to the community.  A few of the highlights include:

An opportunity to meet the OSF  Animal Assisted Therapy dogs

“Furry Critters” Clinic -- select a free stuffed animal and go through a pretend clinic with your new little friend

Disaster preparedness -- walk through a decontamination tent

Infant safety, brain development and water safety

X-rays:  How doctors see what’s wrong

Information on Internet safety, nutrition, asthma, burn and fire prevention

Pain management and how to help your child when he or she is in pain

A child safety car seat inspection will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  at the State & Roxbury Center in front of the Medical Center

Activities at the booths include tattoo “stitches”; demonstrations of look-alike poisons, a “glow-germ” demonstration before and after hand-washing; and viewing Lifeline Emergency Helicopter and Ambulance.

The Rockford Fire department will bring the “Safety House” and a fire truck to the event.  The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department will offer information on “Stranger Danger” and handling bullies. The Winnebago County Health Department will offer vision screenings for children.  The American Red Cross, the Rockford Park District and  the YWCA will also have information on their programs.

A highlight of the Health and Safety Safari is the appearance by Troo, the OSF Traumaroo, mascot for the program sponsored by the Trauma Department that emphasizes bicycle safety, home safety, car passenger safety, health safety and playground safety.

Free cholesterol and glucose health screenings for adults will be offered.  The event and all activities are free.