SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs has teamed up with the foundation of Group Health, its in-store clinic partner, to boost awareness of and access to childhood immunizations throughout Washington state.

Under the “Catch Every Kid” campaign, Bartell and the Group Health Foundation are asking parents to vaccinate their children, encourage discussions with friends and neighbors about the importance of immunizing children, and donate to the foundation so more children have access to vaccinations. With any purchase at a Bartell store, consumers can give an Honorary Safety $2 donation at checkout.

Joining Bartell and Group Health in the Catch Every Kid campaign is Cliff Avril, a defensive end for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. The drug chain and nonprofit health system provide convenient and affordable access to vaccines via their jointly run CareClinic walk-in medical clinics.

“Bartell Drugs has been committed to keeping our customer healthy for more than 125 years. We are honored to be a part of this campaign and protecting the children in our communities,” John Lewis, director of CareClinic operations, said in a statement. “The convenience and value of the clinics, and the professional medical services available through our Group Health-certified health providers, are an excellent way for parents in our community to vaccinate their children. With the optional donation at checkout, they can help vaccinate even more children.”

The Group Health Foundation noted that one of its key goals is enabling access to childhood immunizations for families who can’t afford them. Through donations in Washington, the foundation has helped nearly 17,000 children get more than 33,000 vaccines.

“Vaccines save lives. It’s really that simple,” stated Group Health Foundation president Diana Birkett Rakow. “The HPV shot can prevent cancer later in adult life by simply immunizing a preteen. Some people think the HPV vaccine is about sex and it’s not. It is important for parents to hear the facts whether from their health care provider or their neighbor. We can all be advocates for our children’s’ health.”

According to Kevin Sullivan, chair of the foundation’s board, almost a third of children in Washington miss one or more recommended vaccinations. “We’re on a mission to close the gap, to catch every kid and make sure no child falls through,” he commented.