OVER 600 residents from communities in St Ann and St Mary benefited from the back-to-school medical health fairs initiated by Sandals Foundation in partnership with North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA) and the St Ann Community Safety and Security Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Clinics were held at Windsor Basic School & Mansfield Square, both in St Ann, and Boscobel Primary School in St Mary. The services on the day included back-to-school medicals, blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, Jamaica Moves activities, HIV/syphilis testing, vaccinations, various presentations on noncommunicable diseases, and tourism awareness.

Deborah Brown, principal at Windsor Basic School, was elated to see the synergy of persons in attendance. She lauded Sandals Foundation, NERHA, and the JCF for their contribution to the day’s success.

Principal Brown, in her jubilant mood, on seeing the large turnout of children in her school was quick to note, “Today students from Limehall, Steer Town, Seville Heights, Windsor, Windsor Heights, Bamboo, Ocho Rios, Gully Road are all here for their medicals and to receive school supplies and other tokens being given out.

“Our school is so blessed to be receiving all this love in abundance. We are like diamonds in the dark; when discovered we shine so brightly. I am very proud, happy, and humbled by what’s going on right now — words cannot describe it,” she added.

Shannel Amanda Ellis, 27, a past student of Windsor Basic School, shared, “My older brother and sister attended this school and now my son, who is an ‘A’ student, and my daughter are now attending. Principal Brown continues to look out for the students’ interests here at Windsor. She makes them feel special by giving them a hug and caring for them like her own children. She would tell us parents to send the children to school even if they have no breakfast, and later we’ll sort it out. People know Windsor as a bad place where people get hurt but Principal Brown networks with companies that are here trying to turn it around. I am really grateful for today and hope they will return next year.”

Meanwhile Coleen Smith, a resident at Mansfield, shared her experience at the Mansfield Square treat.

“I am very happy about the medical; I save a lot of money. Many of us can’t afford it — school things and doctors are expensive — and everything is free today. This is very good.”

Kerry-Ann Green, a parent at Boscobel Primary School and a community member from Gully Road, was glowing with joy.

“I am overwhelmed by today’s love. I always look forward to this annual health fair by Sandals Foundation because it saves me a lot of money to do medical, and buy school supplies and bags for [going] back to school. Everyone seems happy with so many things to do.”

Public relations manager at Sandals Foundation Patrice Gilpin described the outreach as an integral part of the philanthropic arm’s community engagement, noting, “Our communities are the lifeblood of our resorts and it is our duty to serve and empower residents.”

She added: “By bringing the identified health services that are needed we are helping to ensure the presence of healthier families. And, through our traditional back-to-school support, it is our goal to alleviate the expenses of parents and guardians as they prepare for the new academic year.”