By Sue-Ann Wayow
MORE than 2,700 members of law enforcement have received medical care through My Brother’s Keeper initiative by the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA).
In a media release on Friday, the NCRHA said it continued to honour its commitment to those who dedicate their lives to safeguarding the nation through the initiative launched in 2018.
The outreach programme provides medical care and health screenings to members of Trinidad and Tobago’s protective services including the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service (TTPrS) and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
The NCRHA stated, “My Brother’s Keeper was built on a simple but powerful idea: those who protect us deserve protection too. Many officers face unique physical, emotional, and mental challenges while on the job. This initiative ensures they receive timely and comprehensive medical support without the usual barriers to care.”
Persons have accessed medical care with services including chronic disease screenings, blood work, stress tests, chest x-rays, mental health support, nutrition and dietetic counselling, health education, and specialist consultations focused on holistic well-being.
The release stated, “The response from officers has been tremendously positive and encouraging, with many expressing appreciation for the convenience, efficiency, professionalism and care shown by our medical team.”
NCRHA’s Chief Executive Officer Davlin Thomas said, “Our protective services often put their health on hold while caring for others. My Brother’s Keeper allows us to care for them by making their wellness a priority.”
“Accessible healthcare initiatives like this one, along with the Great Pap Smear Campaign, the Men’s Wellness Initiative, and our Wellness Club to name a few, offer two important benefits. They promote preventative screening and health education, which empower our communities to lead happier, healthier lives. At the same time, they help reduce healthcare costs, emergency admissions, and repeat clinical visits,” he added.
Thomas said, “We are deeply grateful for the partnership and support of the protective services, who have embraced this initiative and become our partners in health. I am also incredibly proud of our staff for going above and beyond to ensure that officers receive the care they need to keep serving our country with strength and resilience.”
