2 days ago
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RESIDENTS OF Cedar Valley in Sligoville, St Catherine, recently benefited from a community health fair that included health screening, wellness workshops and giveaways, courtesy of the event sponsors.
The project was conceptualised by Dr Juwell Harley, nurse and educator, whose family has origins in the community. She said the event symbolises the caring nature of the people that helped to instil values that are still valid in her life today.
“I left when I was seven years old, and this quiet and peaceful community has withstood the test of time. My grandmother was a stalwart in the area, and October 17 also commemorates her birthday. She would have been 95 years old,” Dr Harley said.
The family has been giving back to the community for the past three years, usually on Mother’s Day. This is the first time, she said, that a community health fair was being held.
“We feel good because many of the persons getting services here today would have had to go elsewhere, where they would have to pay for it. Everything is free here today, and we are happy to see the turnout,” Dr Harley said.
Marlene Robinson-Thomas, coordinator at the Cedar Valley Community Centre, where the health fair was held, said the event has helped to uplift the community.
“The residents benefited from free eye testing, HIV test, cholesterol and high blood pressure tests, along with mental health counsellors who are on the ground,” Robinson-Thomas said.
“The community members were all excited even before the event. When they actually saw it happening, it brought tears to their eyes. Experiencing it first-hand today is in fact a blessing, and we are happy to be a part of it,” she added.
The health team included student nurses, counsellors and volunteers from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Over 20 student nurses from various institutions across the island received packages to assist with their educational pursuits, including scrubs, stethoscope, nurse’s watches, among other items.
Meanwhile, over 65 residents received first aid kits, and the elderly, not to be left out, were given care packages.
Rachel Barrett-Docline, founder of title sponsors Joseph and Vera Douglas Family Foundation, said health and well-being was important for the foundation, and overall access to health screening should be accessible to everyone.
“It should not be a case where healthcare is only accessible to those who can afford it. It is important for rural communities to have access to at least the minimum – know their numbers, what they mean, and what they can do to manage their numbers,” Barrett-Dolcine said.
She indicated that they were happy to be a part of an initiative of that nature which brought community members together. “It is important for us to come into this community and give back. There is no greater feeling for us than to see the smiles on their faces, and to know that they are being taken care of,” Barrett-Dolcine said.
As part of the efforts to give back to the community, donations were also made to the Sligoville Health Clinic; and a visit was made to the Sligoville All-Age School.
Other sponsors included Pure Light Wellness, Tech Savvy Nurse, National Police Support Association, Blake Health Initiative and Jo-Vera Collection.
English (US) ·