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| Free Health & Diabetic Clinic Planners (l-r) Taurah Dizadare SNMA-SGU Chapter Diabetes Coordinator, Pastor Alvin Campbell and Dianne Roberts of River Sallee Evangelical Church, Roslyn A. Douglas of Central Health-Grenada and Michelle Adibe - President SNMA-SGU Chapter |
(River
Sallee, St. Patrick - Saturday April 27,
2019) -------The day after Saraka, on Saturday April 27,
2019 over 100 residents of River Sallee, St. Patrick received free health
screening services as a result of the continued partnership between Central Health-Grenada
and the Student National Medical Association – St. George’s University Chapter
(SNMA-SGU Chapter). This year’s event was hosted by the River Sallee Evangelical
Church.
Due to its quaint sized location, the River Sallee
Evangelical church secured permission to use the River Sallee Government School.
Pastor Alvin Campbell agreed to host the Free Health & Diabetic Clinic
because he saw it as an opportunity to assist his community, “I know for the
community, especially my community at River Sallee, there are a lot of people who
don’t go see the doctor. Even though they are sick, they would stay home. But
hearing something like a free health fair coming and covering a number of areas,
I believe that is the reason why I said adamantly we should go ahead with it.”
Although they offer other services during their tenure in
Grenada, this is the sixth event over a three-year period, that SNMA-SGU Chapter
and Central Health – Grenada have collaborated. Michelle Adibe, President of
the SNMA-SGU Chapter admitted that traveling so far from campus was a little
nerve racking, however it is part of their mission statement, “Coming out into
rural Grenada, and helping these individuals be able to obtain health care that
they normally don’t see everyday or have easy access, is something that is
really important to us – SNMA.”
Founder of Central Health –
Grenada Roslyn A. Douglas, MA, ACS, ALB said that prior to River Sallee, the SGU
Medical students have offered the same thing in St. David – three times; St.
George – once; and Grenville, St. Andrew once also. “The Free Health &
Diabetic Clinic in River Sallee was a success because the host church committee
Chair - Dianne Roberts was strategic in reaching out to the community group
responsible for planning the River Sallee week of activities. They promoted the
free clinic along with their plans. In addition, thanks to a private donation,
I hired Mr. Lett to drive around the community with his loud speaker to advertise
the event – after getting permission from the Commissioner of Police.”
The services provided were eye
examination, glucose testing, blood pressure readings, diabetic foot
examination, nutrition counseling and feedback from onsite doctors. Also offered was private prayer by the River
Sallee Evangelical Church prayer team in a nearby classroom.
Ms. Douglas provided tokens
of appreciation to the church’s leaders and volunteers during their Sunday
service, “This event would not have been possible without the volunteers from
the church. Imagine, they not only walked around the community to promote the
event, but they also cleaned up after the Saraka dance which ended at 7 am on
Saturday. They did so in less than two hours. It is also important to note that
SNMA provided the glucose testing strips and lancets, while Bryden & Minors
provided copies of promotional materials. This is what love of community is all
about.”
- Article by: Central Health - Grenada
