TCC Health will be giving away free backpacks filled with school supplies to the first 300 kids in attendance at each location.

The Chautauqua Center, Inc., (TCC Health), a nonprofit leader in healthcare in the Southern Tier, is proud to announce the upcoming celebration of National Health Center Week from Aug. 3 to 9. This special week honors the critical role Community Health Centers play in providing comprehensive, affordable, and accessible healthcare to millions across the country.

As part of the festivities, TCC Health will hold its annual Community Picnics, both from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Dunkirk Community Picnic will happen on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Salvation Army on Central Avenue. The Jamestown Community Picnic will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7, at The Chautauqua Center location at 107 Institute St.

During the two picnic events, TCC Health will be giving away free backpacks filled with school supplies to the first 300 kids in attendance at each location. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and adults must have a child with them to get a backpack.

A notable change is that the Jamestown Community Picnic will be held at The Chautauqua Center building at 107 Institute Street this year. This will give TCC Health the opportunity to showcase its state-of-the-art and growing facility, which is also home to the Waterfront Pharmacy, The Waterfront Foundation, County Office for Aging Services, and TCC Health’s Pediatric Therapy Gym.

“National Community Health Center Week is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact Community Health Centers have on the lives of millions across the nation, and right here in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Chemung Counties,” TCC Health CEO Michael Pease said. “At the heart of TCC Health’s mission is our unwavering commitment to enhance the overall health and wellness of our community through prevention and treatment, one patient at a time. Our goal is to alleviate financial burdens on families and empower children for success in school, reflecting the holistic support that is central to the Community Health Center model.”

In addition to the crucial backpack giveaway, the Community Picnics will offer a range of engaging and family-friendly activities. Picknickers can look forward to live music and dancing with Marty’s Bubble Gum Machine; a bounce house, face painting, and photo booth with Eventz by Scott; delicious food by The Salvation Army Anew Center; and a mini farmer’s market experience featuring free, fresh produce from the Jamestown Mobile Market. Valuable community resources and essential health information will also be available.

We are immensely grateful for the administrative support of The Waterfront Foundation and the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions have made these vital community health events possible over the years. We extend our sincere appreciation to our presenting sponsor Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York. Other sponsors include Jamestown Rotary Club AM, Wegman’s of Jamestown, Cattaraugus County Bank, Jamestown Federal Credit Union, and PepsiCo. A special thanks also to our organizing partner, the Salvation Army Anew Center, which is also providing our food options. Fresh water is being made possible through a generous donation from PepsiCo.

More than 20 vital community partners and agencies, aligned with the mission of accessible care, will be on hand to provide valuable information, engaging activities, and essential services that may be offered at little or no cost, further amplifying the impact of Community Health Center Week.

For further information and updates about Community Health Center Week and the Community Picnics, please visit our website at www.TCCHealth.org or contact The Waterfront Foundation at (716) 294-3995.