On Sabbath, September 14, 2019, the Cole Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church welcomed the community into its multi-purpose center for an all-day health and wellness screening. The free health screening, for persons 18 years of age and older, was sponsored by the American University of the Caribbean’s School of Medicine (Sint Maarten) in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor. An invitation was also extended for members to participate in the screening.
The professional, friendly, helpful, and patient physicians and trainees were available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and there was a steady flow of attendees from approximately mid-morning to the end. The focus of the community-wellness event was to promote health, education, literacy, and prevention. The free screening/checks included height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and vision. As each individual concluded a private medical check with results, the person was guided to an education station for additional information and an exit survey.
Dr. Jackson, the event coordinator, thanked the church and Sister Irma Lake, Community Services Leader, for contributing to the success of the event by providing such an ideal venue. Sabbath School classes for the children were relocated to accommodate the health screening and the Community Services Department treated attendees to bread, soup, and healthy snacks.