Health-screening exercise in Urlings is a success, as Simon fills the gap for those needing care

Saturday’s free health-screening in Urlings, an initiative of the
United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate for St. Mary’s South,
Kelvin “Shugy” Simon, is being hailed as a success.

 
Residents in Urlings received health checks, along with referrals for
follow-up care, on September 23, at the Urlings Primary School.
The initiative provided persons who are without a primary-care
physician, as well as those who are unable to afford medical
services, with a wellbeing-status check. It focused not only on their
physical health, but also on their mental health and social needs.
 
A team of healthcare professionals volunteered their time to
conduct various health checks, including blood-pressure screening,
body mass index (BMI), and diabetes risk.
 
They also surveyed residents about non-medical needs that affect
their health, such as access to healthy food and exercise.
This new community outreach was organized by Simon and
members of the UPP St. Mary’s South Branch, who hope that it will
become an annual community event.

Simon believes that health screenings provide critical information
which can save lives and prevent serious conditions from
developing.
 
“The quality of healthcare in our community has fallen woefully
short, and so we are bringing well-needed health services to the
people,” Simon explains.
 
He says that he and the Party want to promote the benefits that
come with early detection of certain types of ailments; and he plans
to strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders for
mental-health treatment and for referrals for other types of
illnesses.
 

“Health is a human right and we want to ensure a better quality of
life for all,” Simon says. “This is the type of representation and
leadership that residents in St. Mary’s South deserve.”
 
Meanwhile, a similar health-screening exercise will be conducted at
the Bolans Primary School on Saturday, October 7, from 8 a.m. to 3
p.m.
 
The UPP candidate notes that the wealth of a community depends
on the health of its people, and residents deserve better healthcare
services.
 
He points out that although a new clinic was commissioned in
Bolans in March 2023, it is still inoperable – six months later.
 
Additionally, the clinic in Johnsons Point remains in a state of
disrepair and the pharmacy is still closed, forcing residents to seek
services at the clinics in Browne’s Avenue or Grays Farm.
 
As part of his commitment to community wellness, Simon is
planning a seminar to educate the public about lifestyle choices that
lead to better health, wellness and prevention. This seminar is being
planned as part of the Independence celebrations.