Recently there has been much concern about the H1N1 virus, but for a number of persons in and around Savanna-la-Mar who received flu shots at a recent health and security expo, this is no longer a threat. The expo, which was the result of a partnership between Sandals South Coast and the Westmoreland Police Division, took place at the Methodist Church Hall on Great Georges Street.
“The day was well subscribed as over 250 persons utilized the vital services that were offered,” said Joseph Caine, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Territorial Officer from the Westmoreland Police Division. He expressed profound appreciation to Sandals South Coast and all the partners for their invaluable show of partnership, support, and execution of the long-awaited health and security expo.
Gerald Miller, parish health promotion and education officer in the Westmoreland Health Department also noted that his team was very enthusiastic about partnering with Sandals South Coast and the Westmoreland Police Division. In addition to administering flu shots, they provided services relating to immunization, nutrition counselling, and sensitization on non-communicable diseases. “We provided information on dengue prevention as well, which is necessary especially following a recent outbreak of dengue in the country”.
For Beverly Mendez, a street cleaner in Savanna-La-Mar, the expo could not have come at a better time. “Sandals and the police did a good thing here today,” she said, moments after getting her H1N1 injection. “I met a lot of people on the street and they said they got their shot here”. Mendez noted that in her line of work she is constantly exposed to various forms of bacteria, therefore being protected with the requisite shots and maintaining her defenses is critical.
The expo made available free blood pressure and blood glucose tests, prostate and HIV tests, some of which were administrative by representatives from Royal Pharmacy based in Savanna-La-Mar.
Several agencies were also on hand to provide information on their services and empower attendees with sound advice and guidance. Among those were the Child Protection and Family Service Agency, Heart trust NTA, Victim Services Division and the Social Development Commission.
Acting Sergeant Craig Ruddock from the Jamaica Fire Brigade presented crucial information on how to avoid domestic fires and what to do in the event of a fire.
Representatives from the Jamaica Constabulary Force gave residents a trip down memory lane with their blast from the past display, where they showcased weapons and uniforms used by the JCF throughout the years. They also spoke about the services of various arms of the JCF.
Sandals South Coast Environment Health and Safety Manager, Vilma Smith noted that this health and security Expo was actually born out of a soup kitchen idea shared by members of the Community Safety and Security unit of the Westmoreland Police Division. “I’m happy that my Sandals South Coast team and I were able to take this idea and expand on it to meet the needs of a greater cross-section of people”.
