The Northwestern Medicine's Children's Health and Safety Fair made a return to the Grayslake Outpatient Center on June 7, 2025. The event, known for its focus on child safety, attracted over 650 attendees this year.
Since its inception in 2004, the fair has been a community favorite. It offers interactive and educational exhibits throughout the center. After a brief pause due to the pandemic, this marks its second consecutive year back.
One of the highlights was the bike safety station where physicians and staff from Northwestern Medicine Grayslake helped children properly fit their bike helmets. Additionally, a "Teddy Bear Clinic" was set up to ease children's fears about hospital visits by providing teddy bears with mock treatments.
Children also participated in an obstacle course and fitness challenge aimed at promoting physical activity. Nearby, a "Food Matching" game taught them about nutrition. Families had the opportunity to take photos with a Superior Air Med helicopter that landed nearby.
Emergency services representatives from Grayslake fire and police departments, along with the Lake County Sheriff's Office, were present to show children how they work to protect the community using fire trucks and police vehicles.
Karen Mahnke MSN, RN, NEA-BC executive sponsor of the fair and vice president operations at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital said: “The Grayslake Children’s Health and Safety Fair is an event we look forward to every year. We are thrilled to collaborate with so many community organizations to bring safety awareness and joy to children.” She added that sharing important health and safety lessons is something their team is excited about as it can have a positive impact on protecting kids in the community.
For more information about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.
