By Junior Grandison, WestmorelandTHE ASSOCIATION of Clubs, in conjunction with the Organisation for International Development, hosted a health fair at the Petersfield Community Centre in Westmoreland last Thursday.
The U.S.-based organisation led by its president, Jamaican dentist Dr. Roy Streete headed a medical team of 35 personnel. They arrived in Jamaica on a special mission to give free health services in several parishes across Jamaica for two weeks.
The team consisted of 20 persons including paediatricians, gynaecologists, opticians, general practitioners, dentists, nurses, health educators and volunteers.
They provided free medical services for some 350 persons from Petersfield and its environs. Special emphasis was placed on the elderly and children.
Dr. Streete said his organisation was formed in 1990 and one of its aims is to visit countries and give free medical services. He said they have visited countries in the Caribbean and in Africa.
SATISFIED
"I am satisfied that we were able to make it here," he said. "The needs of the people here are very great. We did the very best we could for them."
Those in need of added care were referred to specialists for further treatment.
Dr. Streete thanked the Jamaica Cancer Society for being part of the day's exercise by sending its mammography unit and providing 20 mammograms free of cost to women, most of whom were doing the test for the first time.
Some of the communities that have already received help from this medical team include Moore Town in Portland, Thompson Town in Clarendon, Porus, Harman and the Royal Flat Infirmary in Manchester and Delveland Health Centre in Westmoreland.
Other areas which will also be benefiting include Cambridge Health Centre, St. James, Maryland Health Centre, Hanover, Grandville Place of Safety (Girls), St. James, Copse Place of Safety (for boys), and Clifton Primary in Hanover. At the above-named institutions the health educator will speak to persons as it relates to HIV, AIDS sexually transmitted diseases and eating healthy.
Paula White, a volunteer of the international organisation, said it was a very fulfilling exercise. She said, "The residents needed care, most of which we were able to give, and we look forward to coming back here next year."
Matthias Brown, facilitator of the Association of Clubs, said the AOC in its effort to bring health care to the community, has been in touch with Dr. Streete over the years, and they first came to Jamaica in 2002.
Mr. Brown thanked the Westmoreland Parish Council for providing the tents for the patients and Dr. Karl Blythe, Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, who provided the funds used to provide lunch for the medical team.
