JCF welfare fair brings free health checks to more than 200 in St. Ann’s Bay

On May 15, more than 200 people from St. Ann — including residents, police officers, and their relatives — received no-cost medical care when the Welfare Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) staged a Health and Wellness Fair at the St. Ann Parish Library in St. Ann’s Bay.

The programme ran from 10:00 a.m. through the afternoon, with a constant flow of citizens seeking to learn more about their health.

Saneisha Johnson-Watkis, sub-officer in charge of welfare for the St. Ann Police Division, told JIS News the effort aimed to help people in a rounded way, covering physical complaints as well as stress, substance misuse, and overall wellness.

“What stands out the most is how receptive they are of this initiative. They’re coming out trying to find out about their health status and we’re really happy for that because at the end of the day, our health is our priority and health is wealth,” Mrs. Johnson-Watkis said.

She said the fair united specialists and agencies from several sectors, among them the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the JCF Medical Services Branch, the National Council on Drug Abuse, Restorative Justice, Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, the Bureau of Gender Affairs, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Johnson-Watkis added that the activity fits a wider JCF drive to boost officer welfare and outreach in communities through the Welfare Division, set up in 2018 to pull welfare services together and treat them as a core organisational goal.

“That is the route that the JCF is taking now. So, we’re happy to see everyone coming out, both citizens and our internal stakeholders,” Mrs. Johnson-Watkis outlined.

Eighty-four-year-old Donald Garricks of Free Hill, St. Ann, was among those who used the services, undergoing a blood test and a heart check at the venue. He described the fair as a valuable offering for locals, particularly older persons who may struggle to get routine medical reviews.

“You should have the Government sit down and have things like these [several] times a year for the good health of the community,” Mr. Garricks said.

Several participants also spoke about learning gained at the event, especially around sexual health. Nishalay Morgan underlined why urging people to get tested matters, saying stronger awareness and teaching in communities remain essential in fighting sexually transmitted infections.

Nurse Faithlyn Simpson, meanwhile, said health professionals should model the behaviour they promote. She said she would take part in testing during the fair as well, and thanked the organisers, backers, and the JCF for making the day happen.