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HomeNewsArchivesCrowds Smaller, But Free Health Event Still Draws 600-Plus

Crowds Smaller, But Free Health Event Still Draws 600-Plus

Oct. 20, 2008 — The number of V.I. residents who took advantage of CareForce 2008 free health screenings Monday was down from last year, "probably due to Omar," said Dr. Cora Christian, founder of CareForce.
Still, those who were set back by the storm have until 6 p.m. Tuesday to catch up. The program on St. Croix, which includes free flu and pneumonia shots, continues in Christiansted at the D.C. Canegata Complex.
"The event gives the kinds of protections for health care available — with issues and problems addressed," Christian said. "We are helping protect health and give the best possible approach to residents."
Although it was not as crowded as last year, more than 600 residents attended. There was a steady line of residents participating in the free health screenings, which were open to the public Monday at Sunshine Mall.
"This was my first time here and I was pleased with the service offered to the public," said Joycelyn King.
The event happens because the V.I. Medical Institute coordinates private, military, government and business sponsors in this effort to bring free medical examination services to the territory every year. Younger people got checked for health issues this year, said Jill Doran, CEO of the V.I. Medical Institute, facilitator of the event.
"It is a sign of the problem of uninsured young people seeking free screenings," Doran said.
This was the eighth year for the CareForce event, which began and remains under Christian's guidance.
Volunteers in CareForce T-shirts greeted people as soon as they entered the mall and helped them with wheelchairs and directions to stations doing vision, dental, blood pressure and blood-sugar checks.
"It's a lot of people coming out who don't have extra money, taking advantage of this," said Doris Brown, an AARP volunteer at CareForce for the fourth year.
There were 24 workers from the V.I. National Guard medical unit helping out, as they have since 2000.
"We have doctors, nurses and medics floating around providing help wherever they are needed," said Lt. Col. Angelica Schuster, project coordinator.
Organizers also conjectured on another possible reason for the low turnout this year.
"It could have been because school was out and a lot of grandparents watch the kids," Doran said.
Omar, however, did not keep volunteers, medical professionals, nursing students and doctors from giving out information, conducting tests and keeping records at Monday's event.
Setup for CareForce 2008 began Sunday and everyone was ready for the 7 a.m. opening. Hovensa supplied all of the vaccines and supplies.
"Too much went into this to cancel," Doran said.
Denyse Singleton, V.I. state director of AARP, sat and asked everyone leaving if they had a mammogram or prostate screening this year.
"People were here at 6:30 a.m.," she said.
The screenings continue on St. Thomas from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Lutheran Church of Reformation and Friday at the Frenchtown Community Center. Call 712-2444 for more information.
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