NCRHA continues ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ initiative to support protective services

The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) says it is continuing its commitment to the men and women of Trinidad and Tobago’s protective services through its My Brother’s Keeper initiative – a specialised outreach programme offering medical care and health screenings to those who serve on the front lines.

Launched in 2018, the initiative was built on a simple premise: those who protect the nation deserve protection in return. Recognising the unique physical, emotional, and mental challenges faced by officers, the programme ensures they have timely and comprehensive access to medical support without the usual barriers to care.

To date, more than 2,700 members of the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, and other protective services have benefited from the initiative. Services include chronic disease screenings, blood work, stress tests, chest x-rays, mental health support, nutrition and dietetic counselling, health education, and specialist consultations promoting holistic well-being.

The NCHRA said feedback from officers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the convenience, professionalism, and compassion of the NCRHA’s medical team.

One officer described the event as “professionally organized” and said it had been “a while since I received that level of service at a medical institution.”

Another called it “a very innovative initiative” and expressed eagerness for its return.

NCRHA Chief Executive Officer Davlin Thomas said the programme ensures officers’ health remains a priority.

“Our protective services often put their health on hold while caring for others. My Brother’s Keeper allows us to care for them by making their wellness a priority,” he said.

Thomas added that accessible healthcare programmes such as this, along with the Great Pap Smear Campaign, the Men’s Wellness Initiative, and the Wellness Club, provide two key benefits: promoting preventative screening and health education while also reducing healthcare costs, emergency admissions, and repeat clinical visits.

“We are deeply grateful for the partnership and support of the protective services, who have embraced this initiative and become our partners in health,” Thomas said. “I am also incredibly proud of our staff for going above and beyond to ensure that officers receive the care they need to keep serving our country with strength and resilience.”