Medical mission by Trinbago Progressive Association of USA, Inc. & APC Community Services, USA provides vital care to hundreds in T&T

A collaboration between the Trinbago Progressive Association of USA, Inc. led by Stephen Isaac, president and APC Community Services led by Dr. Janice McLean — to bring dedicated service to residents of Trinidad & Tobago, was a total success. Thanks to the 11th Annual Medical Mission and Community Health Fair, scores of outpatients received treatment from May 13 – May 27, in the twin-island republic.

According to Guyanese American Dr. Janice McLean, president/ CEO of APC Community Services, the mission began with a welcome reception hosted by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Collis Hazel at the Comfort Inn Hotel in Scarborough, Tobago.

She told Caribbean Life recently, that the actual day of services began on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, with an opening ceremony, under the patronage of Assemblyman Sonny Craig and was held at the Canaan Bon Accord Facilities.

“Angela Cooper of TPA, assisted by Claire Patterson Monah of APC, coordinated the Health Fair. The passport to health guided participants through the services provided and culminated with a clinical review of results and consultation with doctors and Nurse practitioners. Screenings were supported by an army of local of volunteers including the Tobago Medical Missionary group,” said Dr. McClean.

“The services offered to over 250 outpatients were Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, BMI, Lung Capacity test, Step test. As per advice from the medical council on the island, Podiatry Services were urgently needed and the focus on Diabetes Footcare Screenings was in high volume, this was led by Steven Wells, DPM, PhD. Medical Director of the Favor Foot Ankle Leg and Wound Center. There was also a presentation by President Isaac on Plant Based Approach to Food. Outpatients were also fitted with special Diabetic shoes if needed donated by Rakesh Jain benefactor of the Favor Foot Ankle Leg and Wound Center. Before each person left, they had the opportunity to speak one on one with either Dr. Anthony Radbourne, PhD., PND – Holistic & Mental Health Wellness and  Nedege Radbourne. RN, NP or Avril Trancoso, RN regarding follow ups with their primary care.”

She said the following day, 80 people were seen at Scarborough and both days at Roxborough almost 100 people received service. The week ended with a Healthcare Symposium focused on Chronic Diseases-Dr. Daniel Beckles, Dental Health, -Dr Alan Woodson and Health and Wellness by Dr. Anthony Raybourne. This was followed by health Symposium and screening at Goodwood High School.

After a week of hectic work, the full complement of caregivers was given a partial island tour which ended with a visit to the famous Buccoo Reef and Nylon pool.

The Dental and Medical team arrived in Trinidad on May 15 and were surprised with a VIP reception organized by the Community Hospital, Caribbean Union, and the South Caribbean Conference. President Dr. Kern welcomed the Team along with Victoria DeCoteau, Health Ministries Director Caribbean Union, and Peggy Guerreo — executive assistant to Dr. Colwick Wilson who is president, University of the Southern Caribbean.

According to the medical professional, the team began the Trinidad leg of the Mission on May 16-17 with clinics at both the Community Hospital of SDA and the University of the Southern Caribbean. Focus for these days were the University and Cocorite Communities.

“The group then traveled to Tobago for the weekend and were a major part of the Saturday Symposium dental screening and Health Expo, which were well received by the residents.”

“On Monday, May 20, this team along with the Tobago Team traveled back to Trinidad and continued clinics at the Community Hospital and University of the Southern Caribbean, where individuals from the wider community benefited from dental services, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, lung capacity, BMI and Step test, exercise, cardiovascular screening, pediatrics, mental health Counseling and health and wellness counseling. There were also a focus on dental services for children and a day dedicated to service for the special needs community.”

The team of doctors and health professionals wearing Trinidad & Tobago teeshirts, after providing dedicated services to outpatients during a medical mission hosted by Trinbago Progressive Association Inc. & APC Community Services, USA. Eleventh from left, (front-row) is Guyanese American, Dr. Janice Emanuel, president, CEO of APC Community Services. Photo courtesy ACP Community Services NY

A major outreach on May 24, was held at Skinner Park Stadium organized by Victoria Decoteau — Director of Health Ministries of the South Caribbean Union. More than 1,000 individuals showed up for services ranging from dental, vision, hearing, massage therapy,  blood pressure, blood sugar screening, lung capacity test, BMI/ Step test, HIV testing, mental health and cardiovascular counseling, health and wellness counseling  and much more.

The week concluded with a church service — Message by Dr. Janice Emanuel McLean — “A Storm is Coming” and Symposium with speakers — Dr. Daniel Beckles, Dr. Anthony Raybourn, Dr. Alan Woodson and Dr. Jasmine Walker and Health Screening at the University of the Southern Caribbean.

This mission impacted the lives of  over three thousands persons in Trinidad and Tobago: Dental – 807- fillings-207, extractions – 280, cleaning 220; x-rays 100; medical 400; mental health 100, health and wellness 800, health screening – 900, according to Dr. Mclean.

A sightseeing trip around the island of Trinidad ending at the Maracus Bay Beach, brought down the curtains with a farewell reception sponsored by the Caribbean Union and the University of the Southern Caribbean.

“We thank all our team members for the wonderful services rendered to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Special thanks to Dr. Alan Woodson and the dental team, Drs. Timothy Matthews, Jean-Marc Arsenault, Ronald Walker and Paulette Gentels and all the hygienists and assistants,” said Dr. Mclean.

“We also thank Dr. Vinh Trinh, who joined the mission and loaned our team dental suites and other equipment free of cost. Thanks also to the medical team Dr. Daniel Beckles, Dr. Steven Wells and team, Dr. Jasmin Walker, Dr. Raybourne and family, nurses — Sean Fugerson and sons, Esther Rawlins, Icilda Innocent, Avril Trancoso and Michael Lewis.”

“We appreciate the mental health team that included Edward McLean, Lisa Saunders, Kareen Radcliff, Angela Cooper, Claire Patterson Monah and Hildegarde Reimers who assisted with coordination, Sylvan Henry, Sstephen Isaac who assisted with logistics and the host of volunteers who  assisted in various capacities.”

Dr. Mclean paid special thanks to Dr. Stephen Carryl, Dr. Delphina Ovid / Dr. Syne / dental team, Mckacie Soobratee and Samuel Sankar from the Community Hospital, Dr. Colwick Wilson and Peggy Guerrero — University of the Southern Caribean, Dr. Kern Tobias, president, Caribbean Union; Dr. Alexander Isaac — Health Ministries Director Caribbean Union and Victoria Decoteau — Health Ministries South Caribbean Conference.