A new community service program developed in part by students at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) aims to promote good health for residents of Sint Maarten.
Project HELP (Health Education Literacy and Prevention) was started by physicians-in-training Nimish Sudan and Malary Mani, in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor. Project HELP plans to hold monthly health events throughout Sint Maarten, where AUC students will gain valuable hands-on experience assisting local physicians with screenings for heart health and blood pressure, as well as eye and ear checks and educational workshops on diet and exercise. These health checks will also provide the Department of Public Health with a more informed view of the health of the Sint Maarten population and promote health awareness.
"The study of medicine is a great privilege with an accompanying social responsibility to patient-centered research, public health and community service," said Dr. Ronald Testa, AUC dean of medical sciences. "In its goal to educate uninsured and underserved residents about health risks and indicators, as well as prevention of illness, Project HELP exemplifies AUC's core mission."
The first Project HELP event will be held on Saturday, April 6, 10:00am - 1:00pm at the Dutch Quarter Clinic - Community Help Desk in the Dutch Quarter. Screenings are complimentary.