AVA, Mo. (August 8, 2026) – Missouri Ozarks Community Health held its annual Back-to-School Bash & Health Fair on August 8 at the Missouri Ozarks Wellness Center in Ava. This year, students were able to pick up backpacks and hygiene items, along with needed school supplies. “We had one lady say, ‘I don’t know how my grandkids would have gotten all their school supplies without you guys,’” said Jennifer Heinlein, chief operations officer at Missouri Ozarks Community Health. “And that really gives us the motivation to make this event even bigger and better next year.”
The event helped families prepare for the upcoming school year by connecting them with school supplies, hygiene items, free children’s haircuts, health resources and local support services in one location. One local resident said her family was looking forward to seeing how the event would help them stretch their budget before shopping during tax-free weekend. “After we know what they’re going to supply, then we can go further than that and get what is needed to prepare the kids for the school year,” said Kim Evans.
Dozens of other vendors were also at the event, showcasing community resources such as educational programs and health initiatives. “We like to come out because I like to talk to everybody and let them know that there is a way to get help,” said Cassie Dancause, president of Sweet Pea House, a local domestic violence shelter. The Douglas County Sheriff also fingerprinted more than 150 children for child ID kits. Fun activities were provided for children, including a bounce house, face painting and a balloon artist.
This year’s Back-to-School Bash & Health Fair would not have been possible without community support. The Ava Masonic Lodge donated $3,000 to purchase backpacks and hygiene supplies. Jamie Loge, a community member, provides hot dog buns every year for the event. Various health insurance agencies also provided monetary support for this year’s event.
Missouri Ozarks Community Health was established in 1996 as a federally qualified health center. It operates seven clinics in Ava, Gainesville, Theodosia, Mansfield, Mountain Grove, Cabool and Houston. Missouri Ozarks offers primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, prenatal care, pediatric care and pharmacy services. It also provides exercise programs and equipment at the Missouri Ozarks Wellness Center.
For more information about Missouri Ozarks Community Health or for interview requests, please contact Lacy Monteleone at lmonteleone@mo-ozarks.org or call (417) 683-5739, ext. 1422.
