THE Old Harbour Church of God of Prophecy in St Catherine has opened a $2.5 million wellness centre for health care services directed particularly at the elderly.

The facility, located at 47 Bowers Drive, Old Harbour is being operated in partnership with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC).

Founded by Alexander Brown, bishop of the church, the centre was designed to cater to the spiritual, social, emotional, and physical needs of the community, Myrtle Hutchinson, project committee member, told JIS News.

She noted that the facility would incorporate the services of the existing clinic in providing blood sugar and blood pressure checks, weight and urine tests, offer referrals and counseling on proper nutrition.

In addition, it will provide day care services and eventually establish a home for the aged.

The church’s soup kitchen will also be relocated to the wellness centre.

“We believe in and promote active aging, and so this falls right in our lap,” said Beverly Hall-Taylor, NCSC executive director, welcoming the collaboration.

NCSC will help plan health fairs and facilitate linkages with other agencies that can assist the wellness centre deliver a better service to seniors, according to Hall-Taylor.