Lions club uses health fair to celebrate birthday

KINGSTON:

Several senior citizens were among scores of other persons who seized the opportunity to get their free HIV testing done at a health fair held on the grounds of St Joseph's Hospital in Kingston on Saturday.

The health fair, which was organised by the Lions Club of New Kingston and Food For the Poor, is an annual event staged by the two entities.

Oral test

Volunteer member, Karen Scale, who administered the HIV tests, attributed the significant turnout to the type of testing that was being done. She said persons - including the elderly - were more open to having the oral test done rather than the more common blood test.

A number of medical practitioners were also on-board to provide free eye screening, blood pressure and blood sugar tests, as well as free dental checks for children from the age of three to 16 years.

Representatives from the Registrar General's Department were also present to take queries regarding birth, death and marriage certification issues.

Saturday's event was also held as part of the Lions club's 18th birthday commemoration.

Sixty-seven-year-old Enid Brown, who was there to have her blood sugar and blood pressure testing done, said the opportunity was necessary.

- Nedburn Thaffe