Reading Time: 5 minutes

The grounds of the Mona Baptist Church became a hub of care and compassion on Thursday, 16 July 2026, as healthcare professionals, social service representatives and volunteers delivered essential health and social services to scores of persons from Papine and surrounding environs, during the University of Technology, Jamaica’s Annual Health & Services Fair.

Organised by the University’s Department of Community Service and Development in collaboration with the People Division, the annual outreach reflected UTech, Jamaica’s core value of Service by bringing essential health and social services directly to the community at no cost.

UTech, Jamaica students and staff welcomed visitors at registration stations for back-to-school medical examinations and other health assessments. Volunteers guided senior citizens and persons with disabilities between screening stations, while officers from the Papine Police Station provided security and crowd control throughout the day.

Held under the theme “Your Health. Our Priority. A Stronger Community,” the Fair brought together healthcare professionals from UTech, Jamaica’s Medical Centre, representatives from government agencies, community organisations and local entrepreneurs to improve access to essential services and strengthen community partnerships. Attendees benefited from free blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and ECG screenings. National Insurance Scheme (NIS) registration and school medical assessments were also available throughout the day.

Mrs Simone McGregor-Jackson, Vice President and Chief People Officer, UTech, Jamaica, said the Health & Services Fair reflects the University’s commitment to community engagement and demonstrates how collaboration extends the institution’s impact beyond the campus.

“The health and well-being of our communities are a shared responsibility, and by investing our people and resources, we create lasting impact through service and care,” Mrs McGregor-Jackson said. “The People Division was proud to partner with the Department of Community Service and Development in advancing health, wellness and community development,” she added.

Mr Paulton Gordon, Director of Community Service at UTech, Jamaica, noted that the annual outreach reflects the University’s belief that meaningful education extends beyond the classroom.

He explained that this year’s initiative placed particular emphasis on helping families prepare for the new academic year by removing one of the financial barriers associated with returning to school.

“One of the things that we’re trying to do this year is to ensure that youngsters who are heading back to school can have their health certification completed here free of cost,” he said. “We have reached out to several schools in and around the area to encourage students who are transitioning from primary to high school to come today so that they can benefit from the services we are offering.”

Mr Gordon also explained that another strategic objective of the Health & Services Fair was to address growing concerns surrounding non-communicable diseases by encouraging early detection and preventive care, particularly among older adults.

“We are also trying to have more elderly persons receive ECG screenings,” Mr Gordon said. “Many people are unaware of their heart health, and that is one of the areas we want to focus on as chronic illnesses continue to affect increasing numbers of Jamaicans. Early screening is critical,” he stated. He shared that the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, which was on hand providing the ECG screenings, would also assist in referring individuals for further assessment if initial results revealed concerns. A team from the Ministry of Health and Wellness was also on site promoting healthy lifestyle practices.

Supporting Community Wellness and Local Enterprise

While attendees accessed free healthcare services, local health food entrepreneurs participating in the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP) showcased and marketed their products at the event. Among them were Rosemarie Johnson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nikki’s Spices and More, which specialises in locally produced culinary and medicinal spices and Dorothy Price, Chief Executive Officer of the all-natural beverage line African Garden Juices.

Both entrepreneurs expressed gratitude to UTech, Jamaica for previously engaging them in a short finance and business course that helped them strengthen and expand their businesses.

Ms Odeka Haughton, Community Liaison Officer at the Social Development Commission, explained the importance of the Local Economic Development Support Programme.

“Our Local Economic Development Support Programme helps grassroots businesses to establish and expand over time. We assist entrepreneurs in developing their business plans and business models, and we also provide financial support,” she said.

Unity and Safety in Communities

Sub-Officer in Charge at the Papine Police Station, Sergeant Devon Lambert, said the initiative demonstrates how collaborative programmes can improve quality of life. He welcomed continued collaboration between the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the University of Technology, Jamaica.

“Any initiative that has the community at heart, the Papine Police are willing, able and ready to partner with any social group committed to serving the community. We are on board with whatever initiative of this nature that UTech, Jamaica undertakes,” he said.