Posted November 27, 2016

In October a team of medical professionals and enthusiastic volunteers collaboratedto ensurethat the 2016 Annual Health Fair would be a resounding success, and indeed it was! This year we focused on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In preparation for the event volunteers spent hours unpacking and sorting supplies, as well as staging the areas to make them attractive and suitable for the various activities. Members of our chapter kicked off the Fair with a special morning devotion themed "We are Blessed", which was led by the spirited Jackie Jarrett Nicholson.

VIEW THE FULL 2016 HEALTH FAIR PHOTO ALBUM >>

Physicians, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP), and other Health Services professionals led the way by facilitating discussions and conducting screenings, while subject matter experts used vision boards, hands-on demonstrations, and informational brochures to underscore the message. The vibrant event atmosphere was charged with positive energy as eager students delved into topics that ranged from social etiquette to community leadership.

For the second time, we invited Cornwall College students to take part in some of our Health Fair activities. One of the most popular sessions dealt with AIDS and HIV, and featured a panelist who contracted HIV as a teenager. The students were veryattentive and asked thoughtful questions. A healthy discourse ensued between the boys and the girls as they shared their opinions regarding the various topics.

Realizing the importance of engaging the support of parents, this year we invited them to take advantage of the screenings and to take part in a special informational session. The response was overwhelming; some travelled from as far away as Hanover, Negril, and neighboring parishes to see the doctors. I was particularly pleased to see the many fathers and elderly family members who showed up to learn more about their health. They waited patiently in line and participated in live demonstrations which taught medical techniques including CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and self-breast examination. It was very fulfilling to see the physicians prescribing and dispensing much needed medications courtesy of Cari-Med and our Alumni Chapter. A sumptuous meal prepared by alum Roberta Baugh and the Alessandro's catering , our alumni members served attendees along with beverages that were donated by CPJ. To the delight of the participants, gate prizes were awarded every hour, as well as 4 cash prizes of $25US each.

Parents expressed their appreciation for all the work that our chapter continues to do year after year. They urged us to initiate a textbook and uniform drive through which gently used items could be donated to students in need. In turn, we used the opportunity to talk to them about the mission of our organization, encourage increased participation in the PTA, and elicit support for Mrs. Stacy Reynolds, the new principal who was highly commended for the well-needed improvements that have beautified the campus.

Needless to say, staging an event of this magnitude requires a lot of planning, preparation, sponsorship, and funding – we couldn't do any of this without your continued support and commitment. During the 2-day event students and staff were treated to free sno-cones, popcorn, and once again juices courtesy of CPJ. Each student was given a drawstring backpack emblazoned with the MAHS logo and a pair of brown uniform socks. Through the 2016 Health Fair we met our objective of providing event participants with the tools and resources to balance their physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual well-being. We would like to take this opportunity to thanks all our members, volunteers, medical professionals, sponsors, and the faculty for the hard work and dedication that enabled the 2016 Health Fair be a success. VIEW THE FULL 2016 HEALTH FAIR PHOTO ALBUM >>