Health awareness day of note
Awell-planned health awareness day event organised by Port Alfred Hospital Town Clinic, in partnership with Port Alfred Hospital and Ndlambe Municipality, attracted people of all age groups on Friday to check their health status.
Other stakeholders involved mentioned by Port Alfred Town Clinic occupational therapist Teri-Lee Baartman, included the likes of the Rotary Club of Port Alfred, SAPS, department of social development, Hospice, Marjorie Parrish TB Hospital, Cansa, Child Welfare, Pumelelo Special Care Centre and Enkuthazweni Skills Centre.
Even though the health department offered more services than any other department, it was still a busy day for other stakeholders as well.
Some of the services offered by different sectors of health included an HIV/Aids test, tuberculosis check, blood pressure check, breast cancer check, prostate cancer check and cervical cancer check.
The event was well organised as people knew what other departments offered without having to go to their respective locations.
The centralisation of various departments in one place was a convenient way of interacting with people.
Each of the stakeholders mentioned above got an opportunity to spread the word about the services it offered.
A good example would be the SAPS who need gatherings like these to distribute pamphlets containing crime precautions for the festive season.
With aims to accommodate all local residents, SAPS distributed pamphlets written in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa outlining suggestions that can be taken by crime victims.
The Talented Persons with Disability group used the platform to showcase their crafts and skills.
Talking from experience and as a living testimony, Lindiwe Manyathi, the mother of a disabled child, gave the audience an insight into living with the related challenges.
Baartman extended her sincere appreciation to all the stakeholders who participated in the event. She further passed her gratitude to the Port Alfred High School steel band team who endured windy weather outside the venue to perform while welcoming the public.