Prineville, with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state, welcomes the free childhood screening by Healthy Beginnings this Friday.

Healthy Beginnings is a non-profit that offers the screenings for children ages five and younger. 

Executive Director Holly Remer says the first five years are the most important to a child's development; but they do have resources for children up to 19 years old. "One resource in particular: the Healthy Kids Insurance. If there are kids out there, and this actually goes beyond the 5 year olds. So this is any child under the age of 19. If they don't have health insurance, we can help those families connect with the state health insurance for children. It provides comprehensive health insurance, vision and dental included for a very, very low monthly fee."

Healthy Beginnings is a totally nonprofit organization, funded entirely by the community and staffed by volunteers.

You will need an appointment for the free screening and there are still some openings in Prineville and future locations - contact Healthy Beginnings for more information.