Community Health Center of Mason City's Back-to-School Block Party, July 21 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jenna Schaefer, Outreach Coordinator Community Health Center of Mason City jschaefer@chcmasoncity.com | 641-450-0601

Free Healthcare Services, Shoes, Backpacks & Family Fun at Community Health Center's Annual Back-to-School Block Party on July 21, 2026

Community Health Center of Mason City invites families to its annual Back-to-School Block Party on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 404 N. Federal Avenue. The free community event combines essential healthcare services, school readiness resources, and family fun to help children start the school year healthy, prepared, and ready to learn.

Families will have access to a variety of free healthcare services, including:

· Well-child exams

· Immunizations

· Sports physicals

· Dental exams

Appointments for healthcare services are available from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with walk-in appointments accepted during the Block Party from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. All medical and dental services will be provided inside the Community Health Center. Parents and guardians are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 641-450-0601, although walk-ins are welcome during the evening event.

This year's Block Party is made possible through continued collaboration with United Way of North Central Iowa and The Salvation Army. Through the Kicks for Kids program, United Way will provide a new pair of shoes to each child attending the event, while The Salvation Army will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to help students begin the school year equipped for success.

Families will also have the opportunity to connect with numerous community organizations offering educational resources, games, activities, and information about services available throughout the area.

From 4:00 – 7:00 PM, a free meal will be served while supplies last, thanks to the generous support of local businesses and community partners who have donated food, services, and volunteer time to make this event possible. The meal, shoes, backpacks, games, and community resource booths will be located in the Community Health Center parking lot, while healthcare services will continue inside the clinic.

"Our Back-to-School Block Party is one of our favorite events each year because it brings together healthcare, community resources, and local organizations in one place to support children and families," said Renae Kruckenberg, CEO of Community Health Center of Fort Dodge. "By removing barriers to care and providing essential school readiness services, we can help ensure every child starts the school year healthy, confident, and ready to learn."

The Back-to-School Block Party is free and open to the public. For more information or a complete list of participating organizations and activities, visit Community Health Center of Mason City’s Facebook page or go to chcfd.com.