Medical Exams, Immunisations, Improved Dental Offering for Back-to-School
OCHO RIOS, St Ann; Aug. 29, 2026
Hundreds of people turned out at Ocho Rios Primary School in St Ann recently to access free medical and dental services provided at the Sandals Foundation’s annual back-to-school health fair.
The initiative, which is part of the Foundation’s commitment to providing care in communities, expanded its dental services through the Sandals-sponsored Great Shape Inc.’s 1000 Smiles Dental Programme, while also offering medical examinations, immunisations, and back-to-school supplies.
(Jamaican volunteer, Dr Shenique Wood-Thomas, performs a medical examination on a child at the Sandals Foundation’s annual back-to-school health fair held at Ocho Rios Primary School in St Ann on August 18.)
Public Relations Manager for Sandals Foundation, Lyndsay Isaacs, said the large turnout highlighted the value and demand for the services, particularly in dental care for children and adults, JIS reported.
“We raised the bar a little bit this year and have increased the dental, so the demand is much stronger, much more appreciated,” she said.
Executive Director of Great Shape Inc. and its 1000 Smiles Dental Project, Joseph Wright, said the unique and powerful partnership with Sandals Foundation allows volunteers to offer medical support to Jamaicans each year.
“I feel a sense of joy that we’re able to help so many people,” he said, highlighting that the turnout has increased over the years.
According to JIS, Danielle Wilson Brown, who brought her three children to the health fair, said the initiative helped to reduce costs associated with preparing her children for the new school year.
(Great Shape! Inc. dental volunteers at work at the Ocho Rios Primary School in Ocho Rios, St Ann, during the Sandals Foundation’s annual back-to-school health fair.)
“It would have been a lot more expensive going to the doctors directly and getting the medicals done,” she said.
The project was coordinated by stakeholders such as the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort and the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA). Public Relations and Communications Manager at NERHA, Angenice White, said the agency was pleased to partner in the initiative as part of its commitment to supporting healthy communities.
Dr. Shenique Wood Thomas, a Jamaican medical professional, always volunteers at the health fair.
“If I can play my part through my expertise, then I believe it is a good job and something worth doing,” she said.
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