LEWISBURG, WV (WOAY) – Robert C. Byrd Clinic Pediatric Department is gearing up for summery aquatic festivities.
Children and families can cool down from the sizzling temps on Sunday, July 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. with a dip in the White Sulfur Springs Pool.
“To help promote community outreach and exercise for the kids in our community,” said family nurse practitioner Shannon Bashlor. “We serve a small dinner (some pizza), some drinks, and just an opportunity for the kids to get together and play.”
This is Pediatrics’ second annual pool party; in the past, they’ve done movie night.
“So that the kids can come and spend the night at the movies with us, and provides some access to some fun things that kids may not otherwise have an opportunity to participate in,” Bashlor said.
Rural healthcare can be tough on kids — especially during the summer. Many families live remotely from town and kids don’t have access to transportation or because their parents work.
“Where the pool is or the movie theater, whatever it is that we’re wanting to promote,” said the family nurse practitioner. “They just don’t have the opportunity to either get into town or even afford it.”
So kids may sit at home, without much chance of connecting with their peers. Bashlor says Pediatrics loves being able to do something that helps the children and interact with them in a way that isn’t as intimidating as walking into the clinic.
“They come to the pool and see us there with our families and they get a chance to realize we’re not as threatening, and we just want to have fun with them and take care of them,” Bashlor said.
The family nurse practitioner has five children of her own and loves bringing a smile to kids’ faces. Often they struggle and this is an opportunity for a respite from the heat and more.
“And not have to worry about the finances behind it and just have a little bit of extra access,” said Bashlor. “Bring yourself and your bathing suit. I think we’ll even have sunscreen.”
