According to a 2025 WalletHub survey, nearly three in four parents felt schools ask them to buy too much for the back-to-school season. To help Orange County’s low-income families with these costs, CalOptima Health is hosting its Third Annual Back-to-School Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, August 2, in Westminster.
More than 5,000 pairs of shoes, 1,500 backpacks, 1,000 hygiene kits and 500 bicycle helmets will be given away to families with children between 4 and 18 years old. In addition, free health services will be available for vaccinations, dental check-ups, sports physicals, haircuts and eye exams/eyeglasses.
Attendees will be able to access support from more than 25 exhibitors offering services for basic needs and resources for individuals with disabilities or mental health issues. Cultural performances, music and games will provide fun and learning for all.
As Orange County’s Medi-Cal health insurance plan, CalOptima Health is dedicated to offering the health fair to support its more than 275,000 children members, which is nearly 40% of all children in the county.
WHEN: Saturday, August 2, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
WHERE: Westminster Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683
Key Stats from WalletHub
- Held Back by Education Costs: Nearly 3 in 5 parents say the cost of education is the biggest thing holding them back financially right now.
- Untenable Tuition: 91% of parents think the cost of education is out of control.
- Bigger Back-to-School Bill: 53% of parents say they will spend more on back-to-school shopping this year compared to last year.
- Too Much to Buy: Nearly 3 in 4 parents believe that schools ask them to buy too much during back-to-school season.
- Education Is Worth the Sacrifice: 72% of parents think their child’s education is worth going into debt for.
- Demand for Financial Education: 92% of parents think financial literacy should be part of the core curriculum.