TagHeart Foundation's fifth health fair wins hearts at Freetown Primary

In this being the foundation’s fifth health fair that predominantly targets educators, the initiative is aimed at promoting health and wellness, early detection of chronic illnesses and supporting a healthier lifestyle among the education sector. 

The mission brought together healthcare professionals, volunteers and corporate partners that provided medical consultations, assessments and personalized guidance to members of staff at the state-run institution. The initiative also forms part of the foundation’s mission which is to address the growing prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and stress-related conditions among educators. 

The foundation was launched as a response to rising concerns during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, with increasing reports of educators experiencing sudden illness and premature death stated Dr Odette Thomas, co-founder of TagHeart Foundation.

“We felt something needed to be done,” said Thomas. “Many chronic illnesses are silent attackers and often get undetected until serious complications occur. Bringing health services directly into the schools, we hope to empower these teachers with information that would help them make better decisions about their health.”

Throughout the day teachers received blood pressure checks, blood sugar screenings and body mass index (BMI) assessments along with one-on-one consultations with healthcare practitioners. 

“Several of the educators from the primary school were referred to seek further medical evaluation after their screenings showed health concerns that would require immediate attention,” said Dr Thomas a native of Colbeck district, Old Harbour.

According to the foundation, these interventions would emphasize the importance of preventative healthcare and regular monitoring. 

“Every year, there are participants whose results indicate the need for urgent follow-up or care,” she tells Old Harbour News. “When we can identify potential health risks early and direct someone towards treatment, that alone makes the initiative worthwhile.” 

This staging of the event also marked a major milestone, as the organization had its first corporate sponsor. National Bakery partnered with the TagHeart Foundation by providing gift baskets and treats for teachers, students and members of staff throughout the day.

Marlene Palmer, Freetown Primary School’s principal, welcomed the initiative while noting the positive impact on her staff. 

“The information provided was extremely valuable,” Palmer said. “Our teachers gained a better understanding of their health status, including important indicators. The TagHeart team created an environment where everyone felt comfortable asking questions and seeking advice; we are truly grateful for their support.”

In general, the event was so welcoming and comfortable that staff wished it could happen three times annually, and all expressed deep love and appreciation toward the TagHeart Foundation for their outstanding work.

Palmer also added that the health fair served as an important reminder of the need for educators to prioritize their own wellbeing while continuing to serve their students and communities. 

As the TagHeart Foundation celebrates their fifth year of service, the organizers say they remain committed to expanding their reach to schools across Jamaica. Plans are already underway to strengthen community partnerships, increase resources available to participants and continue to deliver health education directly to educators. 

“Our foundation may be small, but its impact continues to grow. Educators play a very critical role in shaping the future generation, by helping them understand and improve their health,” said Dr Thomas, a Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University Long Island School of Medicine and the current Medical Unit Director at NYU Langone Hospital in Long Island.

The Tag Heart foundation express their gratitude to the administration, teachers and staff of the Freetown Primary School for their warm reception and participation in the health fair and describing the event as another successful step into its mission to promote healthier communities through education, prevention and care.