One hundred students across St James are better prepared for the new academic year after receiving school supplies and free health services through the annual Back-to-School Health and Wellness Fair, spearheaded by the parish’s Custos Bishop Conrad Pitkin.

The youngsters received school bags, books, pencils, pens, geometry sets and other supplies at the event at the Faith Temple Assemblies of God Church in Montego Bay. This year’s staging was particularly significant, as the eight-year-old initiative was expanded to include a health and wellness component for the first time. With support from the St James Public Health Department, children were able to receive vaccinations and complete back-to-school medical examinations, providing additional relief for parents preparing them for their return to the classroom.

“The reason why we added the health segment this year is because, coming out of [Hurricane] Melissa, there are many, many more parents that are in need. So, they’re going to find it very difficult, as the costs of school supplies have increased,” Pitkin told JIS News. He noted that two doctors, two nurses and other healthcare personnel participated in the initiative.