The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) held its second health and wellness fair on Friday, May 31 on the grounds of the Commission. The event which the Commission says will be held annually, saw a significant increase in the turnout, with over 200 patrons in attendance this time around.
Attendees included students, teachers and coaches from several secondary schools in the corporate area. A special invitation was extended to them as the Commission aims to build a stronger rapport with student athletes, thereby fostering a dope-free environment in schools. Business persons and residents of the surrounding community also turned out in their numbers at the health and wellness fair.
The event, according to JADCO’s executive director, June Spence Jarrett, evoked positive feedback. “Today was great. We had persons journeying from Spanish Town, St. Catherine and from the hills of St. Andrew, just to be here. The services provided by our partners were excellent and they as well as members of the community have asked for this to be a flagship event and I am planning for this because this is how we will reach the public,” she said.
Additionally, Spence Jarrett said this year’s turnout marked a significant stage in JADCO’s efforts to increase awareness of its role as the national anti-doping organisation. “Last year it was great and this year it was even better because of the publicity. We utilised our social media platforms, a town crier, broadcast and print media and we distributed flyers, put up posters, visited the schools and the athletes came out in large numbers. We want the public to see JADCO as their friend and not their enemy.”
Rajae McBean, business development representative at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica said it was a great experience. “It was informative, and we learnt a lot from the presentations on nutrition. It was also good seeing persons benefitting from the services provided and we look forward to partnering with JADCO for many more health fairs.”
For a second time, Dr. Dayna Pryce, owner of Pure Smiles Jamaica, was pleased with the event, noting there were a lot more people than the last time. She added: “The students were much more interactive and knowledgeable about their oral health, so that was really exciting and encouraging to hear.”
“I believe not just the outer community is impacted but the wider Jamaica. Two years ago, I was not very familiar with JADCO but there has since been increased awareness, which is a good thing, not only for the athletes but for all Jamaicans,” she added.
Odale Neil, peer navigator/prevention strategist at the Centre for HIV/AIDS Research and Education Services (C.H.A.R.E.S) at the University Hospital of the West Indies, said the event was good and he along with his team had great interactions with the patrons. “What I would love to see is the initiative extended to more persons from the community so they can build a relationship with JADCO and access a range of services available to them. Persons tend to question the importance of HIV tests in this process but with a virus that attacks the immune system, we are happy to be a part of this initiative where the public can benefit from the services we offer.” “I must say JADCO is doing a great job,” he added.
Echoing his sentiment was Raglan Wynter, sales and marketing manager at Jamaica Post. “When we got the invitation to participate, I really wanted to go beyond that; I wanted to partner with JADCO. We know what the Commission is doing, we see its ambition and Jamaica Post is on board. Everything about the health and wellness fair was just great and I love the market you were able to attract,” he said. “JADCO, it has been 15 years and I am looking forward to your 50th. To increase the awareness just keep doing what you are doing but be a bit more assertive. JADCO is likkle but tallawah and Jamaica Post is here to support,” he added.
One patron, Adiel Thomas lauded the Commission for what he described as a well-organised and timely health fair. “I have a brand-new yoga mat and that was very thoughtful of JADCO to include these things. I really enjoyed the booth interactions and food sampling. The event was excellently executed.”
The partners at the health and wellness fair were:
- Yummy Bakery Jamaica
- Lasco Distributors Limited
- Pure Smiles Jamaica
- Centre for HIV/AIDS Research and Education Services (C.H.A.R.E.S)
- Sagicor Life Jamaica
- Heart Foundation of Jamaica
- Foundation for International Self-Help (F.I.S.H) Medical, Dental and Eye Clinic
- Jamaica Athletes’ Insurance Plan (JAIP) – Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES)
- Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC)
- Maranatha Food Stores
- Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
- Chas E Ramson Limited
- Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation
Patrons benefitted from free dental and eye screening, heart, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, HIV and Syphilis tests among other services. There was also food sampling, and giveaways.
A popular aspect of the fair was the nutrition corner which included a consultation with Dr. Christine Fray-Aiken, master sports nutritionist and associate professor at the University of Technology, Jamaica. She’s also author of JADCO’s Nutritional Guide for Jamaican Athletes. Presentations were also delivered by Dr. Fray-Aiken and Dr. Joan Lamle, certified naturopath and owner of Maranatha Health Food Stores.
