The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) successfully hosted its annual Health and Wellness Fair on Friday, May 30, 2025, under the impactful theme “Healthy Choices: Wellness Beyond Sport – Your Responsibility.”

The event brought together a range of organisations and participants, all united in promoting holistic health and encouraging Jamaicans to embrace personal responsibility in their wellness journeys.

Held at JADCO’s headquarters, the fair welcomed a diverse audience of over 200 people, including students, professionals, and community members. Attendees benefitted from free health screenings, wellness and nutrition consultations, financial advice, product samples, and a wealth of informational resources aimed at empowering individuals to make healthier choices.

The fair featured several key health and wellness organisations, including:

• Pure Smiles which shared the importance of consistent oral hygiene as a gateway to overall health.
• The Centre for HIV/AIDS Research and Education Services (CHARES) emphasised awareness and testing as critical tools in managing and preventing the spread of HIV, while dispelling common misconceptions about transmission and treatment. The organisation also conducted HIV and syphilis tests
• LASCO Distributors offered nutritional samples and highlighted affordable, healthy alternatives to processed foods, encouraging better food choices for everyday living.
• The National Health Fund (NHF) educated attendees on the wide range of subsidised medications and health programmes available to Jamaicans.
• FISH Clinic provided eye testing
• The Diabetes Association conducted blood glucose, cholesterol, BMI tests.
• The Consumer Affairs Commission educated the public on food labeling and consumer rights, promoting informed decision-making for healthier living.

When asked about their participation, exhibitors commonly expressed the importance of starting early with healthy habits, addressing misinformation, and promoting sustainable lifestyle practices beyond athletics. “We want people to understand that health is a lifelong journey, it doesn’t end when the game is over,” noted a representative from CHARES.

Participants shared glowing reviews of the experience, citing both learning and inspiration. “I came because I want to take better care of myself and didn’t know where to start. Now I have tools I can use,” said one resident. Another attendee expressed surprise at the nutritional information provided by LASCO, saying, “I didn’t realize how easy it was to swap unhealthy snacks for better options without spending more.”

JADCO Executive Director June Spence-Jarrett shared the inspiration behind this year’s theme: “We chose ‘Healthy Choices: Wellness Beyond Sport – Your Responsibility’ because we want to reinforce that everyone, not just athletes, has a role to play in their own well-being. Wellness goes far beyond physical performance; it’s about mental, emotional, and social health too.”

She emphasized the importance of going beyond JADCO’s anti-doping mission: “While our core focus is clean sport, our wider mandate includes promoting values of integrity and healthy living. Hosting events like this allows us to connect with the community in meaningful ways.”

Looking ahead, Mrs. Spence-Jarrett confirmed JADCO’s plans to keep the health conversation going through educational outreach, school programmes, and community partnerships. Her message to Jamaicans was clear: “Make small, consistent changes. Drink more water. Move more. Read labels. Get screened. You don’t need to be an athlete to take your health seriously—wellness is your responsibility.”

JADCO’s Health and Wellness Fair served as a timely reminder that health is a continuous journey, and that wellness beyond sport begins with personal responsibility. As Jamaica continues to face growing lifestyle-related health challenges, events like these are essential in educating and empowering citizens to live better, healthier lives.

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