ST THOMAS, Jamaica — The Portland Health Department has commenced a series of blood pressure screenings across the parish in observance of Heart Month as part of efforts to promote cardiovascular health among residents.

The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the National Health Fund (NHF), is being carried out under the theme: ‘Love Your Heart, Check Your Blood Pressure’.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Sharon Lewis, reported that the screenings began on February 11 during the barbers and hairdressers clinic, held in the conference room of the Portland Health Department.

Dr Lewis, who was addressing the Portland Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting on February 12, outlined additional activities.

“We will also be doing blood-pressure checks at food handlers clinics in the three health districts across the parish, and at the following locations – the Buff Bay Methodist Church yard… [and] the Fairy Hill Health Centre on Thursday, February 19; and the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), at the health fair that will be held there on February 26,” she said.

“There are other locations that are yet to be confirmed… information will be shared when those arrangements are finalised,” Dr Lewis added.

Meanwhile, the medical officer is encouraging residents to take full advantage of the initiative.

“Look out for the community health aides who will be doing the blood pressure checks in locations near the major townships across the parish,” Dr Lewis advised.

She noted that Portland has been given a target of screening 2,000 people during the observance.

Dr Lewis provided the update while presenting the January health report on Portland’s health status, highlighting that the parish experienced relatively good health throughout January 2026.

For syndromes under surveillance, she reported 32 cases of undifferentiated fever, noting that all were presented to sentinel sites across the parish.

“This is nearly half of the 63 undifferentiated fever cases seen in December 2025 but is similar to the 34 cases seen in November 2025,” the medical officer outlined.

Dr Lewis further indicated that a similar trend was observed in fever and respiratory cases.

“Six fever and respiratory cases were seen. This figure is 73 per cent less than the 208 fever and respiratory cases seen in December, when we were experiencing the seasonal increase in influenza-like illnesses, but it is similar to the 51 cases seen in November last year,” she said.

Dr Lewis added that both undifferentiated fever and influenza‑like illnesses are returning to endemic levels of approximately 10 cases per week.

–       JIS