The Dr. Otto Rodriguez PolyClinic II in conjunction with the Ministry of Health held its annual Health Fair on Saturday March 23rd at the Lion’s Den. Hundreds of residents took advantage of the many free services offered, including pap smears, breast exams, blood sugar check, blood pressure, Body Mass Index, HIV testing, and mental health services.
On hand to provide information of their job and service to the San Pedro community were the San Pedro Police Department as well as the Fire Department. Dalia Alamilla, a mother of a child with Down Syndrome was also present, giving information on the condition as well as advances that individuals with Down Syndrome have made. Miss Romero from NDACC was at hand sharing the very detrimental effect of drug abuse.
According to organizer, Owen Vellos, administrator for the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic, the fair was very successful. The National Aids Commission (NAC) Island Committee along with the PolyClinic conducted 30 HIV tests of which none were positive. The San Pedro Cancer Society held a blood drive and was able to collect 9 units of blood and the food sale made $450.00.
Organizations that participated included: National Drug Abuse Control Council, the Belize Blood Donor Service, the San Pedro Branch of the Belize Diabetes Association, the NAC Island Committee, the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Poly Clinic, San Pedro Cancer Society, San Pedro Lions Club, Health Education and Community Participation Bureau (HECOPAB), Community Workers, Sagebrush Church, San Pedro Police Department, San Pedro Fire Department, Belizean Down Syndrome Society and Belize Red Cross. Organizers wish to thank all that participated and came out to receive services. The Dr. Otto Rodriguez PolyClinic II is opened Mondays through Fridays from 8AM to 8PM.