WRHA Celebrates Health Workers In July

The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is celebrating the sterling contribution of its heathcare staff across the parishes of St. James, Trelawny, Hanover and Westmoreland during July.

The month-long recognition is in observation of Healthcare Workers’ Month, which serves to honour the dedicated men and women working in every area of the country’s health sector.

These include doctors, nurses, public health inspectors, administrative and support staff, whose efforts continue to protect and improve the nation’s health.

Speaking at a recent Think Tank held at the JIS Montego Bay Regional Office, Priority Non-Communicable Diseases/Family Health Coordinator at the WRHA, Dr. Marcia Johnson Campbell, said that several activities have already been held across the four parishes.

These include church services and a special men’s health intervention at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James.

“This was an opportunity for our male employees to come and to be served and get their own blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI) checked. They also got their prostate checks, cholesterol checks and were treated to foot care,” she pointed out.

“We also served them refreshment, and we had some special things on offer as the dietary department came up with some okra punch… ; we had coconut water with aloe vera infused and more. It was just a really special and beautiful day. They had physical activity sessions as well,” she added.

She noted that the activities, which will be ongoing, will provide opportunity for the WRHA to increase engagement with citizens, to outline the important role that health workers play, and encouraging persons to be proactive in safeguarding their own health.

The observance of Healthcare Workers’ Month emerged from the sacrifices of the country’s healthcare staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We saw healthcare workers putting themselves on the front lines, making a lot of sacrifices, overcoming challenges and barriers. In fact, some of our own healthcare workers lost their lives in this event as they tried to serve,” Dr. Johnson Campbell pointed out.

“So, the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the Government of Jamaica found it necessary to show appreciation to our heroes,” she added.

She is urging healthcare workers to prioritise self-care, noting that maintaining their own health is “not selfish but essential”.