On Friday, First Lady Cecile de Jongh participated in the First Annual Children’s Health and Wellness Fair at the UVI Great Hall in St. Croix. Public and private sector partners offered free medical, dental and other education and care services for young children.

“Recognizing that children’s health and education is a first priority for families, we are delighted to bring these resources to the community for free,” she said.

A project of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee of the Governor’s Children and Families Council, the fair targeted children from ages birth to 5 years, in support of their healthy development. The event ran from 9:00-1:00 PM and will be held annually in both districts.

“By partnering with parents, caregivers and service providers, we promote the development of the total child, including their cognitive, physical, creative, social and emotional needs. Today represents one of many community-based efforts to raise awareness on the importance of early childhood services and the benefits of preventative and regular medical care,” the first lady noted.

Departments of Health, Human Services and Education partnered with Frederiksted Health Care, Inc., East End Medical Center, the Family Connection of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, UVI, Lutheran Social Services and VI Perinatal in bringing the children’s health and wellness fair to the community.

Volunteers from the various service providers included nurses, education specialists, dental hygienists and a dentist, an audiologist for hearing screenings, developmental screening specialists, and many other childhood care personnel. Also on site were: Head Start, the Learning Network Foundation, Conflict Resolution Organization for Peace, WIC and others. The Bookmobile was available, providing educational materials via the Virgin Islands Public Libraries, and students from St. Croix Education Complex and UVI also provided on-site assistance. 

Governor de Jongh established by Executive Order the Children and Families Council, which the first lady chairs, to promote public and private sector coordination in building a foundation for children’s future success. Departments and agencies of the government are tasked with developing public policies and initiatives, in partnership with private, non-profit and faith-based communities, to try and bridge the gap in providing needed services to the territory’s children and families. 

“Today is a wonderful example of how the community can pull together on behalf of children and families,” Ellie Hirsh, Family Connection Director and Early Childhood Advisory Committee Coordinator said.

The companion activity for the St. Thomas/St. John district will be held on Friday, November 4, 2011 at the Sugar Estate Head Start facility, from 9:00-1:00 PM.

Kung Fu Panda was also on hand to greet children at Friday’s health and wellness fair.