US health mission returns to Port Royal after COVID-19 pause
Published:Friday | January 24, 2025 | 12:05 AMRasbert Turner/Gleaner Writer
Medical professionals from United States-based HealthCare International visited Port Royal on Tuesday for their annual health fair, providing free dental and health checks to local residents.
Dr Tony Brown, the founder of the organisation based in Michigan, shared that this year’s event, staged at the St Peter’s Anglican Church, had more than 30 health professionals in attendance.
“We have seen about 300 patients. We see this mission as a meaningful gesture for the community. We are just returning after a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he told The Gleaner.
Dorrett Stafford, a Port Royal native and one of the professionals involved, expressed how beneficial the health fair was to the local community.
“This is a great venture to assist the residents who benefit each time the group is here. This is simply a great community outreach,” Stafford said.
Dr Elliot Hill, a professor of dentistry at Michigan State University, also highlighted the significance of the event.
“I am here with nine fourth-year students, and it is pleasing that we are able to give some help to communities,” said Hill.
The health fair provided comprehensive health checks for adults while children received dental services and were given fluoride treatments along with free toothpaste and toothbrushes.
‘Great service’
Community resident Carol Goldson shared her gratitude for the service.
“I am here today to get my teeth cleaned, and it is free, therefore, it is a great service to the community. I see where persons who benefit are able to stretch their funds for other needs. I am just waiting for next year to do it all over again,” Goldson said.
Meanwhile, coordinator Valerie Wilson lauded the effort of those who worked to make the event a success.
“Most of these professionals are from Michigan, but others are from as far as Utah, and they simply closed their business establishment to be here in Jamaica. This is marvellous,” Wilson said, noting that some of the medical personnel had Jamaican connections.
The mission will also visit Trelawny, St Thomas, St Mary, and St Ann.