THE Thabitha Community Care Services, in collaboration with Gateway Clinic, brought vital primary healthcare right to the doorsteps of Wentworth residents during a free community health and wellness day at Reiger Road Park on November 22.

Also read: Outreach initiative feeds and helps the community

Sister Renette Roskruge, a nurse at Gateway Clinic and founder of Thabitha Community Care Services, said the initiative reached 76 community members who took part in screening, testing, counselling and health education.

“We offered blood pressure testing, sugar testing, cholesterol testing, TB testing, HIV testing, prostate cancer testing, pap smears and nutrition screening. We also spoke on healthy lifestyles, substance abuse and had an addiction counsellor from Sam’s Voice available to offer counselling and referrals,” said Roskruge.

Passersby were treated to juice, while children in the area were given party packs.

She added that taking healthcare to the community remains an important part of their primary health care preventative strategy.

“Sometimes a person is walking around with chronic illnesses but they themselves do not understand what it means. By screening and detecting chronic diseases early, we can prevent complications like strokes, amputations and chronic renal disease. Early detection and treatment are key,” she said.

Roskruge extended her thanks to everyone who contributed and made the day the success it was.

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