Kelvin “Shugy” Simon, the UPP candidate, and St. Mary’s South Branch members, organized a new community outreach initiative in Urlings.

The initiative provided residents with free health screenings and referrals for follow-up care.

On Saturday, a team of healthcare professionals volunteered their time to check blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes risk.

They also conducted surveys to gather information about non-medical needs that affect residents’ health, such as access to healthy food and exercise.

Simon hopes this initiative will become an annual community event, as health screenings provide critical information that can save lives and prevent severe conditions.

The screenings were conducted at the Urlings Primary School. They provided residents without a primary care physician or those unable to afford medical services with a well-being status check that focused not only on their physical health but also on their mental health and social needs.

Another health screening event will occur at Bolans Primary School on Saturday, 7th October 2023, from 8 am to 3 pm.

Simon said, “The quality of health care in our community has fallen woefully short, and so we are bringing needed health services to the people. Community health screening is a valuable resource in the early detection of many illnesses. Many diseases can be managed if treatment and lifestyle changes start early. We want to promote the benefits that come with early detection for certain types of ailments. We also want to strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders for mental health treatment and referrals for other types of illnesses.”

Simon launched this community initiative because of the poor state of healthcare services in St. Mary’s South. Although a new clinic was commissioned in Bolans in March, it is still inoperable six months later.

Simon also indicated that the clinic in Johnson’s Point is in a state of disrepair, and the pharmacy is still closed, forcing residents to go to Browne’s Avenue or Gray’s Farm to fill their prescriptions.

Simon believes that health is a human right and that St. Mary’s South residents deserve better health services.

He is committed to improving the health and well-being of residents and, by extension, the economy.

As part of his commitment to community wellness, Simon plans to host a health seminar to educate the public about healthy lifestyle choices that lead to better health, fitness, and prevention.

The seminar is being planned as part of the Independence celebrations.