MARIETTA — Families across Washington County are invited to gear up for the upcoming school year at the annual free Back to School Bash hosted by the Washington County Behavioral Health Board and other local partners from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at the Washington County Junior Fair Building.

Designed to ease the financial and emotional load of preparing for school, the event will offer free supplies, health services and access to more than 40 community resources. The Bash is open to all students and families, including those who are homeschooled.

“It’s just a time to make some connections before the school year starts and ease some of the burden for families and school staff,” Tara Plaugher, senior recovery advocate with the Washington County Behavioral Health Board, said. “You don’t have to meet any special requirements; we just want everyone who needs support to feel welcome.”

Among the participating organizations are the Marietta/Belpre Health Department, the Washington County Health Department, Washington State College of Ohio, The Right Path for Washington County, Hopewell Health, the Ely Chapman Education Foundation, the Board of Developmental Disabilities, the YMCA, OhioMeansJobs and GoPacks, among others.

Local churches are also lending a hand. Christ United Methodist Church is donating and cooking 300 hot dogs while Gilman United Methodist Church is providing 300 bottles of water.

In addition to school supply giveaways, the event will feature:

¯ Interactive children’s activities from Building Bridges to Careers

¯ Fire safety demonstrations and smoke detectors distributed by the Marietta Fire Department

¯ Immunizations for students in grades 7 – 12

¯ Representation from Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts

Plaugher said the goal goes beyond tangible resources.

“We want not only the children and youth to feel connected, but the families, too,” she said. “The more supported and connected we are as a community, the healthier we all feel.”

The Back to School Bash is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend to meet local service providers, pick up needed supplies and connect with others in the community before the start of the school year.