Saipan Tribune

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Group marks first ever National Day of Service in NMI

In celebration of the National Day of Service, dozens of members of the CNMI community availed of a three-hour free health screening sponsored by the U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance Marianas Chapter, Marianas Eye Institute, and Marianas Visiting Nurses last Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at the American Memorial Park auditorium in Garapan, Saipan.

This event was hosted and organized by Dr. Celia B. Lamkin, chairwoman of the USP4GG Marianas chapter, in partnership with President Obama's Inaugural Committee.

Obama's call to volunteer during the National Day of Service aims to strengthen communities and to commemorate the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. This also tied in with inaugural activities in Washington, D.C.

“This was a historic event because this is the first time that the people of the CNMI participated in this National Day of Service and the inauguration of a U.S. President,” said Lamkin. “We had non-stop participants for the duration of the health screening. Even some guests of the American Memorial Park Museum had the chance to avail of the free health screening.”

Participants received free blood pressure, blood sugar, and vision screening with corresponding printed results in addition to the Body Mass Index. Printed information on prevention of diseases and other health related information were also handed out.

Among the volunteers were teachers, nurses from the Marianas Visiting Nurses, an eye care technician and certified ophthalmic assistant of the Marianas Eye Institute, high school and college students, accountants, skilled workers, and physical therapists, among others.

“The outcome of this health screening was overwhelming because of the more than a dozen of volunteers with different specialties and community support. Some participants and volunteers pledged to become volunteers for the next health screening or any community events that we will undertake,” said Lamkin.

For more information on how to join this volunteer program, email Lamkin at celia.lamkin@yahoo.com. (PR)