THE AWARENESS INITIATIVE AIMS TO MOTIVATE THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUOUSLY ACCESS SERVICES AVAILABLE UNDER THE PBF PILOT PROGRAM.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs is appealing to the public to join the Region 3 Walk for Health and Love activity this coming weekend.

Over the past few years, Health Region 3 which includes La Ressource, Richfond and Dennery, has recorded the highest cases of diabetes and hypertension in Saint Lucia. Since the implementation of the Performance-Based Financing (PBF) Pilot Program at the Richfond Wellness Centre, an increase has been noted in the number of diabetic and hypertensive clients attending the clinic.

Ms. Enda Reynolds, Public Health Nursing Supervisor within the Ministry of Health, said: “Our clients in the region have been receiving many health services at no cost under the PBF pilot program, including screening and risk assessments, and laboratory tests such as cholesterol testing and HBA1c testing. These services are available and are free to clients. This major milestone is attributed through the PBF initiative, within our region.”

The Health Officer states that as a way to keep motivating the public to continuously access services available under the PBF Pilot Program and get screened and treated for diabetes and hypertension, while celebrating the clients who already have taken up the initiative and utilize the program, a fun walk was organized.

“The Richfond Wellness Centre will be hosting a grand fun walk event under the theme “Walk for Health and Love” on Saturday, Feb. 17. The walk starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. This activity is geared at screening people 18 years and older for diabetes and hypertension. The activity culminates with Valentine’s Day activities. We have partnered with various groups within the region to help heighten the awareness of this activity. Residents of the entire health region, that is La Ressource, Richfond and Dennery are invited to take part in this activity,” Ms. Reynolds said.

The “Walk for Health and Love” will commence at the Richfond Health Center, proceed through Grand Ravine and gather at Palm Valley (Grand Riviere), where health screenings will take place. Free transportation will be provided for persons from the La Ressource area, who wish to take part in the event. The buses will be stationed outside the Dennery North Constituency office, from 7 a.m. to transport persons to the event and back.

Services being offered on the day include cholesterol testing, HBA1c testing, nutrition counseling, health education, doctor's consultations and blood pressure and blood sugar testing.