The Veronica Campbell Brown Foundation in partnership with The Ministry of Health and Wellness launched its first Back-to- School Health Fair at the Vere Technical High School in Clarendon, providing over 440 vital health services to more than 200 participants, including students and community members.
“Our first annual back to school Health Fair and Wellness Event was to provide essential health services to high school students as part of the requirement to assess their physical health prior to returning to school. Our aim is to ease the financial burden for parents and provide educational insight about healthy lifestyles,” said Veronica Campbell Brown, founder and multiple-time Olympic champion.
Attendees were provided with vital screening services including, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, cholesterol and BMI assessments, vision testing, vaccinations, as well as ear examinations, ensuring comprehensive health evaluations for all participants in attendance on August 17.
The overwhelming turnout confirmed the community’s need for accessible health resources, while reflecting a heightened interest in personal wellness. The day’s event recorded; 115 medicals, 95 immunizations,150 Know your numbers, 50 cholesterol tests and 42 HIV tests.
Participants attended impactful sessions led by medical professionals and experts, who offered valuable insights on physical and mental health, as well as personal well-being. These discussions included engaging giveaways, such as backpacks, books, pens, pencils, and tumblers.
The event was sponsored by notable individuals and entities including Pearnel Charles Jr, Adidas, Juicy Patties, Consolidated Bakery Limited (Miss Birdie), VMBS, Grace Kennedy, and New Forest Energy’ and exemplified the foundation’s mission to provide students with essential educational resources.
“We are already planning for the second staging of the Back-to-SchoolHealth Fair and Wellness event in 2025. We look forward to expanding the scope of the event and continuing to make a positive impact on the community”, expressed Campbell- Brown.
Campbell Brown went on to invite others to join the movement, “ We invite everyone, whether you are a student, parent, community member, or organization—to join us in our mission to empower and support the youth through education, health, and mentorship. Whether as a beneficiary of our programmes or as a partner, your involvement will help us continue to create meaningful change in the lives of those who need it most. Together, we can build a healthier and brighter future for our community”.
