It was one-stop shopping for services for uninsured and underinsured youth at the first-ever Tooele County Children’s Health Connection held at Overlake Elementary last Saturday.

Parents with children lacking insurance coverage were invited to take advantage of a potpourri of community services in one spot, with health screenings, clothing, school supplies, games and a free lunch.

“It was great to see the whole community come together for this event,” said Tooele County Commission Chairwoman Colleen Johnson, who was serving hot dogs to attendees on Saturday.

Mountain West Medical Center and students from Salt Lake Community College’s surgery technology program provided medical screenings. And dental hygienists from the offices of doctors Michael Wells, Aaron Stobbe and Gerald Summerhays checked for general oral health, including cavities and gum disease. Wells estimated 75 percent of the children screened needed a visit to the dentist.

The Griffeth Vision Group checked for visual acuity, with about half of the children tested showing a need for eyeglasses, according to Griffeth.

DDI Vantage, a non-profit group that provides services for people with special needs, administered a screening for early signs of developmental disabilities.

The gym at the school looked like a second-hand store, with clothes, books and school supplies all available at no cost.

“We put out the call for donations through service clubs, an announcement in the paper, and local churches,” said Karen Kuipers, Tooele County Relief Services coordinator. “My office was literally swamped with donations.”

Boy Scout Troop 1552 of Tooele was on hand leading games for children, and outside a hot-dog and granola bar lunch was provided for everybody courtesy of Tooele County and the Tooele County Chamber of Commerce.

The records of youth needing medical care will be reviewed by county health department officials to see what services are available to help the children.

“Many of these youth may qualify for CHIP or Medicaid, it is just a matter of somebody helping the parents apply,” said Myron Bateman, director of the Tooele County Health Department. “In some cases, like those with vision needs, we can find enough eye care professionals that will volunteer to take a few cases each.”

The event will take place again next year in early August, according to organizers.

Tim Gillie: tgillie@tooeletranscript.com