Grayslake Outpatient Center Children’s Health and Safety Fair brings physicians, staff, and families together

|

16:45 PM

America/Chicago

RMG-202506-JMO0893

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. –The focus may have been on safety, but there were also countless smiles on children’s faces as the Northwestern Medicine’s Children’s Health and Safety Fair returned to the Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center on June 7, 2025.

A community favorite since its inception in 2004, the fair is child-focused, with interactive and educational exhibits located throughout the Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center. In its second year back after a brief pause during the pandemic, the fair saw record turnout with more than 650 attendees.

RMG-202506-JMO1078

Children lined up for a chance to learn about bike safety, with Northwestern Medicine Grayslake physicians and staff helping to properly fit bike helmets on each child.

A “Teddy Bear Clinic” eases children’s fears about getting hurt and having to go to the hospital. Teddy bears received “treatment” in a non-threatening environment before going home with the kids.

An obstacle course and fitness challenge encouraged kids to stay active, while also learning about nutrition with a “Food Matching” game nearby.A Superior Air Med helicopter also landed nearby, giving families a fun photo opportunity. Children were also able to explore fire trucks and police as emergency services representatives from the Grayslake fire and police departments and Lake County Sherriff’s Office showed kids how they work to protect the community.

RMG-202506-JMO1127

“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,” said Karen Mahnke MSN, RN, NEA-BC RN, NEA-BC executive sponsor of the fair and vice president operations and Bernthal Family Chief Nurse Executive at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. “Our physicians, nurses and staff love sharing these important health and safety lessons with the families we serve and are excited about the impact it can have, protecting kids in the community.”

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.