MESA, Ariz. (Sept. 12, 2011)—NextCare Urgent Care is offering discounted $20 flu shots through September to individuals who visit any Phoenix-area NextCare location and donate a new toy to the Emily’s Toys 4 Joy toy drive.
The monthlong toy drive is organized by 9-year-old Valley resident Emily Fawcett, who three years ago was treated at two Valley hospitals after a dog bite. The “scary” experience prompted her to deliver toys to those hospitals to give their young patients as a way of making their stays “a little less scary.” This year’s toy drive will benefit four Valley children’s hospitals: John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, and Banner Health Cardon Children’s Medical Center.
In addition to toys, individuals can also donate games, DVDs, stuffed animals, books, and arts and crafts supplies.
“I loved getting a new toy when I was at the hospital,” Emily said. “Other kids just like me who have to go to the hospital just want something to hold on to and make them not so scared. I hope that we get tons of toys to deliver to these kids and give them something to smile about.”
The influenza vaccine arrived at all NextCare locations last week, just in time for “flu season” that typically lasts from September through March. According to www.flu.gov, between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu each year, more than 200,000 individuals are hospitalized for the flu and between 3,300 and 48,600 people die each year from flu complications.
Some insurance providers completely cover the cost of the flu vaccine. Check with your provider first to see if you qualify.
WHAT: Discounted $20 flu shots with donation of toy to Emily’s Toys 4 Joy toy drive
WHERE: 15 NextCare locations in the Valley
WHEN: Through September
About NextCare
NextCare Urgent Care is one of the nation’s largest privately-owned providers of urgent care and occupational medical services, with an emphasis on our comprehensive approach called Full Circle Care that ensures patients experience the highest level of care from all of our providers every step of their visit, from reception to recovery.
NextCare operates 57 urgent care facilities, as well as six on-site employer clinics, in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Virginia.
For more information, please visit our website or call 888-381-4858. You can also “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Updated by @emilystoys4joy