The St John’s Rural North community saw a significant turnout, on Saturday, at its annual health fair which offered free comprehensive health services to residents at the Cedar Grove Community Clinic.
The event, spearheaded by its parliamentary representative Charles “Max” Fernandez, in collaboration with the American University of Antigua (AUA) and Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), provided essential health screenings and services to community members of all ages.
Dr Andrea Vaughn, Chair of AUA’s Community Outreach Committee, outlined the services offered.
“Our students are conducting vital signs checks, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, height, weight and BMI calculations. Patients then receive consultations with physicians for a more thorough evaluation,” she explained.
She also stressed the critical importance of early detection through regular health screenings.
“With awareness, patients can access necessary medication and prevent catastrophic situations. Being aware of your health status, whether everything is fine, or if there are risk factors, is crucial,” she stated.
The health fair, which ran from 8am to 1pm, saw a diverse group of attendees, comprising elderly residents in their fifties and sixties, alongside youngsters, many of whom were accompanied by family members. The services extended to include HIV testing, nutritional counselling, breast examinations, prostate exams, glucose testing, along with HPV and other vaccinations.
“A healthy community is a wealthy community,” stated MP Fernandez, indicating the importance of preventive healthcare.
He noted that the initiative helped to address barriers to healthcare access, including cost and time constraints that often prevent residents from seeking regular check-ups.
Free transportation was provided from Yorks Village to the Cedar Grove venue, making the services more accessible to all community members.
