St. Ann Sickle Cell Support Club Observing Week

To observe Sickle Cell Support Week (September 25 to October 2), the St. Ann Sickle Cell Support Club has planned several activities to sensitise members of the public about the disease.
“Our aim is to provide social and emotional support to patients and families affected by the sickle cell disease,” Donnadeen Rowe-Henry, Health Educator told JIS News.
She pointed out that the events included church services, which were held at the Word Of Hope Seventh Day Adventist Church in Drax Hall on Saturday, September 25 and at the St. Ann’s Bay Methodist Church on Sunday, September 26.
From today (September 27) to September 30, a series of educational talks and community meetings will be held, with the assistance of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), in schools, such as Discovery Bay All-age, Runaway Bay All-age, Steer Town Primary and Junior High, among others. The areas in which community meetings will be held are Hamstead, Lewis and Free Hill.
An educational walk in St. Ann’s Bay will end the week of activities, when club members will distribute literature and answer questions from the public.
Mrs. Rowe-Henry said the club was a non-profit service organization, and was the second of its kind in the island.
She said the group started in October 2001 with 15 members, and since then the number has been fluctuating. “We are soliciting the support of members of the community towards this worthy venture,” Mrs. Rowe-Henry added.