HUNDREDS of Jamaican students received free medical, dental, and vision care last week thanks to Friends of Dinthill, Inc — a South Florida-based non-profit organisation that carried out a three-day health mission across St Catherine and St Mary.

From August 20 to 22, more than 80 volunteer doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists, nurses, and support staff flew in from the United States and Canada to offer their services to students preparing for the new school year.

The initiative, which has become a staple on the back-to-school calendar, was met with gratitude, challenges, and a few surprises.

The mission kicked off at Dinthill Technical High School in Linstead, where more than 600 students turned out to receive free health screenings.

Medical, dental, and vision services were provided, and student athletes as well as those students who were suspected of having issues with their heart were given electrocardiogram (EKG) tests.

Public health nurses from the St Catherine Health Department were also on hand to check immunisation records and administer required vaccines prior to the start of the new school year.

In addition to the free medical exams, students and their parents were treated to refreshments while they waited.

One parent, who preferred not to give his name, expressed gratitude for the services being provided.

“My son got his eyes checked and they [Friends of Dinthill, Inc] will be helping to pay for the glasses. That is a big help for me and my son as I know that when school starts he will be able to see much better,” said the parent.

On the second and third days of the health mission, the team travelled to St Mary High School in Highgate where they had prepared to serve up to 5,000 students. The turnout, however, was far below expectations.

“We are extremely disappointed by the turnout,” said Margaret Watt-Walker, president and mission coordinator.

“We came prepared to serve many more families, but upon arrival, we were advised that due to the upcoming general elections the politicians in the area provided free back-to-school health fairs in an attempt to secure votes,” added Watt-Walker.

Despite the low numbers, the team pressed on. Dental services were relocated to the Highgate Health Centre, which opened its doors to the mission.

Students were transported from the school to the clinic where they received cleanings, extractions, and even a root canal.

“We had to adjust quickly,” said Dr Easton Douglas, a dentist from South Florida.

“But thanks to the support of the local health centre, we were able to continue serving the students who came,” added Douglas.

The St Mary leg of the mission was made possible through partnerships with the Jamaica 4-H Club’s St Mary division, which provided refreshments for the students.

The group also received funding from Chase Fund, J&R Carefinders, the Dinthill Alumni Association of New York, and Dinthill alumnus Clayton Todd.

“These partnerships are what made this mission possible,” said Clinton Phillips, vice-president of Friends of Dinthill, Inc.

“We’re grateful to all our supporters who helped us reach these students,” added Phillips.

For many of the volunteers, the trip was more than just a professional commitment, it was a personal journey.

“It was a very rewarding experience,” said Tricia-Ann Blair, a first-time volunteer. “I was thrilled to return to Jamaica to give back, and I’m looking forward to participating again next year.”

Others echoed her sentiment, noting that despite the challenges, the mission’s impact was undeniable.

“You could see the joy in the students’ faces,” said registered nurse Kizzy Woodard. “The students felt cared for, and that’s what this is all about.”

Organisers say they are already planning for next year’s mission, with hopes of deeper community engagement and improved coordination with local stakeholders

“We’re more determined than ever to return, to serve, and to make an even greater impact,” declared Watt-Walker.

Parents wait in line to complete the registration process during the Friends of Dinthill Inc’s stop in St Mary.

Paediatrician Dr Tanicia Daley listens to a student’s heartbeat during a routine check-up as part of the back-to-school health screening.