NCRHA brings 'brighter smile' to Blanchisseuse

THE North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) launched its “Brighter Smiles” Dental Outreach initiative to the Blanchisseuse community as part of a wider plan to deliver quality healthcare to rural communities.

The outreach initiative which started on July 17, is a collaboration between the North Central RHA and the Blanchisseuse Village Council. The Brighter Smiles Dental Outreach is the second major health project in this community for July, following the launch of the Community Partnership 1st Response (CPR) initiative.

Twenty-nine residents were seen by a medical team from the NCRHA comprising dentists, dental assistants and nurses at Block B, of the Arima District Health Facility. In its first installment, residents were provided with a wide range of services including dental examinations, cleanings, extraction and x-rays where necessary.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh commended the NCRHA on the launch describing it as another victory not just for the NCRHA but for the public health care system on a national level.

He emphasized the importance of projects of this nature and the role they play in improving community health by focusing on preventative intervention. He said plans are already in train to develop and expand the initiative to include screenings and awareness programmes at schools and other institutions within rural communities across the country.

The initiative will take place on a monthly basis, with shuttle services being provided from the rural community to the hospital facility.