The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Santa Cruz recently joined forces with the Southern Regional Health Authority to host a comprehensive outreach program in the Foster Park community, providing health screenings, educational support, and back-to-school supplies for over 50 students and their families.
The collaborative effort involved four key departments: Community Services, Family Life, Health, and Possibilities Ministries, working together to meet both educational and health needs. Partnering with the Southern Regional Health Authority’s Black River Division, the church facilitated a health fair supported by 24 healthcare professionals. The team included five nutritionists, five nurses, a nurse practitioner, a specialized HIV testing unit with three professionals, and 10 health aides.
The event featured a “Back to School” fair that provided over 50 students with essential supplies, ensuring they were well-prepared for the new academic year. In addition, 27 parents and guardians received free health screenings, including cholesterol and glucose testing, blood pressure checks, and nutritional consultations.
During the event, the health professionals were presented with Christian literature, and hot meals were also provided for all attendees. The Santa Cruz Church continues to demonstrate its commitment to serving the community by ministering to the needs of others and offering spiritual support.
Health aides and community members gather under a tent during the Santa Cruz SDA Church's outreach initiative, which offered free health screenings and back-to-school support. :: Photo credit: Contributed-SDA Church, Santa Cruz