The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) hosted a health fair at its Montego Bay offices on Thursday (January 25).

The health fair, according to the authority, is the brain child of RADA’s Social Services, Home Economics Unit, with the Montego Bay office hosting it’s second edition.

Members of the public were provided with several health services, specifically free tests for cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.

Patrons could also access even more detailed tests like pap smears, prostate exams and HIV testing.

Sharon Farquharson, senior officer in the Social Services, Home Economics Unit for the parishes of St. James, Westmoreland and Hanover, explained that RADA has expanded on his commitment to agriculture by aiding the general public access health checks.

As she sees it, agriculture is tied to nutrition, which itself directly link to health, especially for Jamaican society where non-communicable diseases rank high in cause of death annually.

“Some persons unfortunately won’t go to the doctor just to check their numbers. They wait until something happens. Events like this allow them to get those things checked out in one location.” Farquharson told Our Today.

“This unit has community groups and we meet with persons in those groups and we know that some persons do not access these services usually or know how to get them and so the unit puts the day together for them,” said Tanya Robertson, social services and home economics officer at the Montego Bay parish office, who also spoke to Our Today about the day’s activities.

In addition to the health services available at the fair, patrons could also get information and processes available from the Tax Administration Jamaica, Bureau of Standards Jamaica, Registrar General’s Department, Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the JN Group.

There were also booths from local artisans and small business owners who focus on natural products and homemade crafts.

Robertson explained that when the unit interfaces with persons in these groups, they learn of the difference skill sets of the members of the groups but they also encourage them to turn them into value added businesses.

“These services are available to those persons who want to get their products on the market. So these services are available to them on this day so they can learn how to get their businesses registered, get their products labeled and those sort of things, while also showcasing their products to the patrons,” she expanded.

In relation to continued support for the booth holders, both women explained that the group’s primary function to provide training and support. “Those same community groups are always being supported. We make sure we keep giving them the information and a lot of their products are available for sale at RADA offices.” Farquharson explained. “We try to meet at least once a month with the different community groups and stay in constant contact with them,” Robertson said in support.

The information on the local groups is available at parish offices of RADA for persons looking to access their services as well as those who may want to volunteer with any of the social services community groups to provide assistance or expertise.