DOCTOR’S EFFORT MAKES RETURN TO SCHOOL EASIER FOR MANY
RUNAWAY BAY, St Ann; Aug. 26, 2025
Dozens of children from the Salem/Runaway Bay area of St Ann benefitted from a free back-to-school health fair at Salem New Testament Church of God.
Dr Rochelle Bailey, a medical doctor, poet, and motivational speaker, sponsored and put on the event, with support from the church, family members, and friends.
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(Some of those attending the back-to-school health fair and treat)
At the health fair and treat on Saturday, August 16, 2025, more than 60 children were served. Each received a complimentary school medical examination along with books, pencils, backpacks, and lunch kits. Refreshments served included cake, ice cream, and candies.
All children who attended received multivitamins to help boost their energy and support a healthy start to the new school year.
(As with this beautiful girl, some 60 children benefitted from the fair)
One of the high points of the day was a presentation by Dr Bailey, of a cash award to an outstanding York Castle High student, from Salem New Testament Church of God. Khyle Millen passed all of his CXC subjects in the May/June 2025 exams.
(Treat time)
Dr Bailey told The North Coast Times that she was doing her part to help the children embark on the new academic year with joy and confidence.
Dr Bailey has many talents and interests, beyond her professional work as a general practitioner — including rearing rabbits and teaching youngsters how to care for them. At the clinic and fair, three children were each given a live rabbit from her farm, Bailey Blues Farm. They were winners in a raffle.
(Dr Rochelle Allison Bailey presents a cash award to Khyle Millen, who this year passed eight CXC subjects at York Castle High School in St. Ann).
“These efforts reflect a broader mission I have embraced: to nurture children’s health, education, and emotional well-being,” she old the North Coast Times.
Philanthropy is not new or strange to Dr Bailey. Earlier this year, she volunteered at Port Maria SDA Church, serving without charge as a medical doctor, and throughout the past year, she has given her professional expertise at more than ten complimentary health fairs across the island.
(Nurse Clarissa Bailey, left, Dr Bailey’s mother, poses with the winners of the raffle for the bunny giveaway from Bailey Blues Farm: They are: Jashon Wishart, Aabuthnott Gallimore High; Shamar Scarlet, Free Hill Primary, and Ciara Wedderburn, Ocho Rios High School.
Since founding the rabbit farm — Bailey Blues Farm — in 2023, she has donated over 40 rabbits to children and community organizations. Several of these have gone to children on the autism spectrum and to those with other developmental or communication challenges, where she says, gentle animal interaction provides therapeutic enrichment. Recently, three rabbits were gifted to St. Hilda’s Diocesan High School.
She says, “…Whether through a free medical clinic, a backpack filled with school supplies, an autism awareness seminar, or the comforting presence of a rabbit—my purpose remains the same: to spread hope, health, and happiness throughout my community.”
Petra-Von Pennant, a member of the Salem New Testament Church of God, organized the health fair. Nurse Clarissa Bailey, Dr Bailey’s mother, played a key role in the planning and execution of the health and back-to-school fair. Other family members of Dr Bailey’s also assisted.
Among those volunteering their time and professional services were: Dr Amoy Bailey, Dr Brittney Brown, Shane Bloise, and practical nurse Newman.
Volunteers from the Salem New Testament Church of God also assisted with logistics and the preparation of food for all the staff who volunteered their time on the day.
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