Our Health Fair was conducted at multiple locations over the course of a week, from July 27 to August 4, 2008. During this time we evaluated and treated over 900 citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis. Our physicians evaluated and treated cases of hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and other medical concerns. Our Women’s Health Team evaluated women with a portable ultrasound and offered focused treatment for various concerns. Our Dental Team performed cleanings and extractions. Key to all our efforts was the preventive health counseling given to all who attended the Health Fair.
On this trip we welcomed for the first time our optometrist and her amazing Vision Team. Dr. Gayle Daniels, a Therapeutic Optometrist and her 7- member group from Fort Worth, Texas, screened approximately 900 residents of St. Kitts and Nevis and dispensed over 650 pairs of prescription glasses. The screenings included visual acuity, auto-refraction, cataract evaluation, and glaucoma screening. There were over 12 people identified with sight threatening uncontrolled glaucoma, and about 24 candidates for cataract surgery. Dr. Daniels is striving to arrange additional care for these people. In addition to eyeglasses, Dr. Daniels was able to distribute allergy and comfort drops to those with non-visual related symptoms. There were a high percentage of people with pterygium, which is a fleshy growth on the outside of the eye, towards the nose. The team was able to leave behind an additional 300 pairs of glasses to be dispensed to those who were unable to be seen during the clinic times. Members of the Vision Team indicate that they were humbled by the sincere gratitude of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
On Sabbath we were responsible for the morning and evening program. With hundreds of people present, Dr. David Williams preached convincingly about the connection between spirituality and health. The afternoon consisted of a cooperation of local talent as church members offered songs of praise, between lectures on health.
This trip was unique, because we were guests of the honorable, Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis at a reception in our honor. Not to be outdone, the Governor General of St. Kitts and Nevis, Sir Cuthbert Sebstian (also a physician by profession) hosted us at his official residence. Mr. Alvincent Hudson, who is a native of St. Kitts and a member of United Hands was instrumental in coordinating our activities on the island, and arranging meetings with these two remarkable gentlemen and other high ranking members of the government. This unprecedented warmth and kindness was matched by officials of the North Caribbean Conference of Seventh Day Adventists; Pastor Silton Brown, President of the conference was present to greet us on our arrival, and Pastor Gonzales, Health Ministries Director of the Conference, worked with us EVERY DAY, and counseled patients about preventive health measures, as well as giving our team incredible support.
We would like to thank Pastors Greaves and Samms and all the wonderful people of St. Kitts and Nevis, who took care of us, fed us, showed us the most amazing hospitality, and allowed us to serve them. What we received was truly more than what we gave.
Respectfully SubmittedDon Bovell, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
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