Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer
OCHO RIOS, St. Ann:
CLOSE TO 500 residents of the flood-stricken communities near Moneague were the beneficiaries of free health and counselling services at the health fair held at Rio Hoe Community Centre last week.
The health fair, which was organised by Sandals Dunns River in association with the St. Ann Senior Citizens Association and the South East St Ann Development Committee, was aimed at easing the suffering of the residents who have been affected by flooding since July last year.
The health team included doctors, dentists, nurses, health educators, counsellors and pharmacists. There was also a well stocked pharmacy provided by the Lasco Group, which offered medication amounting to $300,000 free of cost.
One senior citizen, Daphne Thorney, whose house in Foremans Hill is still surrounded by water, described the health fair as a form of blessing for the distressed people of the area. One member of the medical team, Dr. Rojelia Wallace, said that giving voluntary service in this way was very pleasing to her, especially in light of the suffering of the people.
President of the St. Ann Senior Citizens' Association, Mrs. Carmen Wilson, was equally happy to be involved in bringing relief to the flood-stricken residents. "We are not only taking care of their health problem, but we are providing everyone with a hot meal and have fun with them for the day to bring some cheer into their lives," said Mrs. Wilson.
