The Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC) in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Wellness, through the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA); the Ministry of Education and Youth; Global Media Services; I-Print Digital Jamaica; Nu U Limited; Dr. Book Wiggles; Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation, and Worldwide Technology, has awarded five children for participating in a social media poster competition on Instagram for primary schools, to heighten child safety awareness.
Staged as part of its Child Month activities in May, the competition was geared at sensitizing parents and caregivers about critical interventions that should be implemented to safeguard children three to 17 years of age against the ingestion of corrosive substances, falls and to prevent other serious injuries.
Other activities held during the month included sensitization sessions, and a TikTok competition for high schools. Prizes included tablet, computers, gift baskets and gift vouchers from sponsors.
Addressing the prize-giving ceremony at the hospital on Thursday, June 30, 2022, Dr. Michelle-Ann Richards Dawson, Senior Medical Officer, BHC said there was a need to hear from the children on how their safety should be enhanced, and “we are here to ensure that our children are safe”.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Ta’amara Irvine Strachan, Patient Affairs Manager, BHC reported that an increase in injuries to children was a concern to the institution, and as social workers, it is their duty to empower parents on ways to protect children, hence the launch of the campaign.
Mrs. Karlene Taylor-Mckenzie, Hospital Administrator, BHC during the award ceremony commended the children on their poster designs that promotes child safety while at home.
Sharing in the photo moment from left (front-row) are: Tequan Blackwood, third place winner from Calabar Infant School, Calabar All Age School; Shamara Chin, first place winner from Greater Portmore Primary School; Raynique Gordon, second place winner from Mount Liberty Primary School, Beckford Kraal, Clarendon. Also from left (back row) are: Mrs. Mrs. Ta’amara Irvine Strachan, Patient Affairs Manager, BHC; Ms. Dian McFarlene, Medical Social Worker, BHC; Mrs. Beverley Senior-Berry, Director of Nursing Services; Dr. Marsha James, Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon at BHC)and Mrs. Karlene Taylor-Mckenzie, Hospital Administrator, BHC
