Grand Health and Social Service Fair Set for Highgate, St. Mary, on Sept. 19

Residents of Highgate and neighbouring communities in St. Mary are being invited to take advantage of a range of free health and social services when the United Friends of Highgate hosts a community health fair this Saturday (September 19).

The event will be held at the Highgate Health Centre beginning at 9:00 a.m. and will provide residents with free access to medical consultations, health screenings and a range of other support services.

President of the organisation’s Jamaica chapter, Reverend Seymour Hutchinson, told JIS News that the initiative is aimed at fostering a healthier community by promoting the health and well-being of residents.

Through the initiative, the group is encouraging individuals to take greater responsibility for their health by improving access to essential healthcare services.

Services to be offered include dental cleanings and extractions, gynaecological care, HIV testing, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, as well as general medical examinations.

Reverend Hutchinson said the health fair has become a key annual initiative for the organisation, noting that it has been held for approximately 10 years.

He explained that the event attracts residents not only from Highgate but also from neighbouring communities, with previous health fairs drawing more than 200 participants.

Saturday’s fair will also feature representatives from the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), the St. Mary Health Department, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and other government agencies and service providers.

The event will also provide access to counselling services, including support for domestic violence prevention and restorative justice.

Additionally, health packages containing hygiene products will be distributed to participants.

Reverend Hutchinson is encouraging residents, particularly those who may be hesitant about undergoing health checks, to take advantage of the opportunity.

He noted that the screenings have previously helped to identify individuals who were unaware of underlying health conditions, including hypertension and diabetes.

“Health is very important and I know sometimes the men especially are scared of coming out to do tests. Many persons have certain underlying diseases and they don’t know about it… and it is when they come to some of these health fairs that they make the discovery,” he said.

Reverend Hutchinson recalled one instance in which a man learned at a health fair screening that he had diabetes.

He said that in cases where individuals require further medical attention, arrangements are made for referral to hospital.

Additionally, a standby unit will be available to transport persons to hospital if necessary.

Persons who receive prescriptions from participating doctors will be provided with medication free of cost.

The initiative is funded by the United Friends of Highgate, with support from several partner stakeholders, including the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the organisation’s overseas partners.

The United Friends of Highgate, based primarily in Florida, has also made significant contributions to the Highgate community over the years, including the donation of an ambulance and medical equipment such as beds, wheelchairs and walkers to local health facilities.

The organisation also supports education by providing scholarships to students entering high school and assistance to individuals pursuing university studies.

Reverend Hutchinson said the group remains committed to initiatives aimed at improving residents’ well-being and strengthening the Highgate community.