US health practitioner hosts health fair
Published:Thursday | April 17, 2025 | 12:14 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
Hundreds of people turned out at the Mount Pleasant Primary School in west Portland on Wednesday for a health fair put on by Juliet Nelson, a returning resident who is also a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the United States (US).
Nelson, who was supported by her husband, Anthony ‘Penny’ Nelson, along with a team of doctors, nurses, friends, and volunteers from the US, was excited to be able to provide what she considered to be quality healthcare to the residents, including children.
“I decided to do the health fair here in my community. I was born and raised here in this Mount Pleasant community, and I decided to come back with a team of health specialists and friends to give back something to my community,” she commented.
“We provided dental services to every child that turned out, which is about 120, including students and toddlers. I am also teaching the community how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid. So, many of these emergencies have taken place in the community, and being able to teach them how to handle such emergencies could alleviate the strain on health facilities.
“So that’s why we are here, and I am very committed and I’m totally excited about today. Despite the inclement weather, the turnout was very good, and from all indications the residents are very appreciative. Additionally, students from this school were attended to by six dental surgeons, and I must extend appreciation to Mrs Dian Vidal Briggs for extending hospitality to the entire team,” she added.
Among the services that was provided at the health fair were blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol screening, cardiac service, CPR training, first aid, dental service, and treatment for diabetes.
“I have always given thought to assisting small communities wherein residents might not be able to access full health services. So I will definitely be back next year to continue my journey with the health team, volunteers, and friends in ensuring that the less fortunate are cared for,” Nelson concluded.