Linstead group brings healthcare to hundreds
Published:Thursday | March 28, 2024 | 12:10 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
In its second year, the Linstead Area Development Committee (LADC) continues its commitment to supporting the elderly, shut-ins, and children in the community, through their Annual Health and Wellness Fair.
Held at the Church of Latter Day Saints in Linstead, the fair drew hundreds seeking essential medical services and support.
Janet Williams, vice-president of the LADC, emphasised the fair’s focus on disadvantaged groups, stating, “We develop this concept to reach those people and help them where we can”.
The event targeted those facing barriers to accessing healthcare, providing services ranging from medical checks to assistance with vital functions like applying for birth certificates.
Collaboration was key to the fair’s success, with the Linstead Health Department, Registrar General’s Department, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, GraceKennedy, and Dickson’s Drug Store all playing vital roles.
Williams appealed to additional stakeholders to join the effort, emphasising the importance of community support for those less fortunate.
“We welcome the partnership of other stakeholders in this important cause as we reach out to the less fortunate,” she urged.
One notable addition to this year’s fair was the involvement of the Ministry of Health and Wellness through the Linstead Health Department, featuring a health campaign titled ‘Know Your Numbers’.
Novelette Gordon Stennett, a public health nurse, highlighted the range of services offered, including blood pressure checks, body mass index assessments, and dental and medical checks.
INCREASE IN CHRONIC DISEASES
While the fair didn’t reveal heightened cases of lifestyle diseases among attendees, Gordon Stennett noted an increase in chronic diseases within the broader community. She also pointed out a rise in sexually transmitted infections, urging those with chronic conditions to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Attendees like Derrick Jones expressed gratitude for the fair’s impact, stating, “I am able to get a lot of healthcare services done here.”
He highlighted the fair’s importance to himself and fellow elderly individuals, underscoring the need for continued access to such services.
The success of the Annual Health and Wellness Fair underscores the importance of community-led initiatives in addressing healthcare disparities.
“By bringing together various stakeholders and providing essential services, the LADC sets a commendable example of grassroots efforts to promote health and well-being within the Linstead community and beyond,” Williams said.