AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Independent School District will offer free physicals for middle and high school students who will be participating in athletics, cheerleading or marching band.
Usually only students playing sports can qualify for the free exams, but now band students can too. That's because a new state law is requiring them to get physicals next school year.
Starting this week, doctors from Travis County Medical Society will be available to examine middle school and high school students. The students will be bused to and from one of the AISD gyms after school.
RELATED:
For some families, going to the doctor and paying for physicals can get pricey, especially if they don't have insurance. That's why, with the new state law, the district made the decision to open up the free clinic to help more students and it's something parents appreciate.
“We get a lot of things from parents saying how they really appreciate us doing this and offering this to their students,” said Denise Vanlandingham, AISD area athletic coordinator. “We get a lot of students who come back year after year. A lot of students from seventh grade to 12th grade that will come and get their physicals this way and a lot of times this may be the only way their students will see a physician."
This year's registration is already closed. The clinics will be available for children without a primary doctor or the ability to get a physical.
Those signed up will go through different stations, including ear, nose and throat to make sure they're physically fit. Students have to have these physicals before they participate in any activities. In all, about 1,000 students are expected to participate.
Here's a schedule of the clinics:
Middle school
- April 16 at the Burger Center located at 3200 Jones Road
- April 18 at the Delco Center located at 4601 Pecan Brooks Dr.
High school
- April 23 at the Delco Center located at 4601 Brooks Dr.
- April 30 at the Burger Center located at 3200 Jones Road
Students or parents should contact their coach or director for more information. To learn more about the free physicals, click here.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: