PORTLAND, Jamaica – The Portland Health Department has initiated an extensive parish-wide blood pressure screening campaign throughout February in recognition of Heart Month, marking a significant push to enhance cardiovascular wellness among local residents.
This collaborative endeavor with the National Health Fund (NHF) operates under the thematic banner ‘Love Your Heart, Check Your Blood Pressure,’ emphasizing preventive healthcare measures. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sharon Lewis announced that the program commenced on February 11 during a specialized clinic for barbers and hairdressers, conducted within the Portland Health Department’s conference facilities.
Addressing the Portland Municipal Corporation’s monthly assembly on February 12, Dr. Lewis detailed the comprehensive schedule of upcoming screening events. Additional blood pressure assessments will be conducted at food handlers’ clinics across all three health districts within the parish. Specific community locations include Buff Bay Methodist Church yard and Fairy Hill Health Centre on Thursday, February 19, followed by participation in a health fair at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) on February 26.
Dr. Lewis indicated that further venues are currently being finalized, with complete details to be publicly communicated once arrangements are confirmed. She actively encouraged residents to utilize these complimentary services, advising community members to watch for community health aides conducting screenings near major township centers throughout the parish.
The initiative has established an ambitious target of screening 2,000 individuals during the awareness period. Dr. Lewis delivered these updates while presenting Portland’s January 2026 health status report, noting the parish maintained generally favorable health conditions throughout the month.
Regarding syndromic surveillance, authorities recorded 32 cases of undifferentiated fever, all presenting at designated sentinel sites across Portland. This represents a significant reduction from the 63 cases documented in December 2025 and aligns closely with the 34 cases observed in November 2025.
A parallel downward trend was observed in fever and respiratory cases, with only six instances reported – a 73% decrease from December’s 208 cases during the seasonal influenza-like illness surge. This figure corresponds with the 51 cases documented in November 2025. Dr. Lewis confirmed both undifferentiated fever and influenza-like illnesses are returning to endemic levels of approximately 10 cases weekly, indicating stabilization of community health trends.