MIAMI — Primary Medical Care Center and Urgent Care Clinic is known in the Haitian community as a “Giving Back Business”. Its Founder, Princeton Jean-Glaude, is described by many as a generous entrepreneur.
Knowing that customers are key to his business success, Mr. Jean-Glaude always makes sure not only his staff deliver the best quality services to patients, but that they treat them as a family. This is one of many reasons he never misses a special occasion to reunite with them and enjoy quality time together.
Since its opening in April 2013, Primary Medical Center & Urgent Care Clinic, hasn’t missed the chance to celebrate Mother’s Day with its patients. As last Sunday was Mother’s Day Celebration in the United States, a time when people celebrate mothers and the importance of these women in the lives of children and families, Jean-Glaude and his wife Edwidge Jean-Glaude, with the help of the entire staff, hosted a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration. It took place on Friday, May 11 at the clinic facility located at the corner of 115th Street and 7th Ave NW, in Miami, in honor of the female patients who rely on their services, especially those who are mothers themselves. As an annual event now, this celebration has been getting bigger and bigger.
The parking lot was converted into a nice gathering for the occasion. The space was laid out beautifully and seats were allocated for every single person in attendance.
The majority of the estimated 210 people in attendance were women and the celebration took place from 12:10pm and 2:45pm. Music, drink, and food were all served and it provided an opportunity for staff members to meet and dine with participants.
The aim of the celebration was to make the elderly ladies feel special as Mother’s Day is a special occasion. “I decided to host this lunch because the elderly are so dear to my heart, all of them are my mommies,” said Princeton Jean-Glaude.
He added, “Most of these mommies won’t be spending Mother’s Day with their families, so I wanted to make them feel special and wanted.”
The program kicked off with an opening prayer by brother Altiery Leandre after which MC Dr. Flore Lindor Latortue addressed the audience and wished them a happy Mother’s Day. She also took time to thank those staff members at the clinic, representatives from sponsoring companies who helped to make it such a wonderful event that’s become so important to the community.
Medical staff members Dr. Jean Berlonge Pierre, MD, and Dr. Benjamen F. Chavre, were among the guest speakers. Dr. Pierre, a general practitioner in Primary’s Broward clinic, spoke about two chronic illnesses the majority of Haitian elderly patients face: high blood pressure and diabetes. The young medical professional went into detail to explain to the guests many of the risk factors associated with these two chronic health conditions and how they can live healthy by simply taking their recommended medications, adjusting their diet, and most importantly starting an exercise regimen such as walking.
“As a patient, if you suffer with chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and do not take medication as directed,” Dr. Pierre noted, “the repercussions can be severe. For instance, not keeping blood pressure in check can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.” Later, he added some good news, “People with Type 1 diabetes have been known to live long with this condition. The best way to lengthen life is to keep blood sugar levels down, keep it under control regularly. You need to self-manage your health condition by following your physician’s advice and recommendations in order to maintain the best possible health for yourself.”
A report published recently in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients with low health literacy (the ability to read and interpret medical information) were more likely to be hospitalized and use medications inappropriately. The best doctors always remember that it’s their duty to teach their patients about some medical expressions or terms. That is why Dr. Benjamen F. Chavre acted as a teacher that Friday afternoon, using an academic approach while addressing the guests.
The medical professional was there to help patients decode “Doctor-Speak”. Dr. Chavre created a short literacy exercise with the audience by teaching them how to say/pronounce some medical expressions. “You are members of Primary family. As a member, you need to be able to correctly say some medical expressions, such as blood pressure, Cataracts (not kakarat as many of you used to say).”
As MC of the event, Dr. Flore Lindor Latortue explained why this was so important for having a ‘Primary Family reunion,’ especially during the Mother’s day celebration. The professional Consultant took a little time to talk about the importance of maintaining Fidelity, by demonstrating continuing loyalty and support to each other.
The guests were entertained with some nice gospel songs performed by player/songwriter Fritznie L. Joseph, aka ‘Femme à la Guitare,’ and Jules SIMILIEN aka TOTO NECESSITE. The crowd stood up to applaud those local artists after each set of performance.
“This gathering is an opportunity to bring the Primary family (owners, patients, medical and administrative staff) together for a big Mother’s Day Celebration,” said Mrs. Edwidge Jean-Glaude.
To close the event, Princeton and Edwidge Jean-Glaude lead a special flower presentation to the mothers. Two mothers received a distinctive tribute at the event: 109 year-old Jeanne Orion and 96-year old Genia Jacques, as the oldest patients in attendance. The founder surprised his entire female administrative staff by offering each of them a nice bouquet of flowers, too. Their smiling faces were proof that the honorees appreciated the CEO’s gesture.
Even though the event was a women’s affair, one male patient also received special distinction. Comète Nazaire received a nice bouquet of flowers with a bag of gifts from the Vice-President of the company, Mrs. Edwidge Jean-Glaude. As a dad, Mr. Nazaire has played the role of a mother during many moments of his life as well.
As always, DJ Mario Apollon was in attendance and dedicated his afternoon to entertaining the elderly with music they listened to when they were younger. Those who were fit enough danced until they couldn’t anymore. “It’s nice to be in a different environment for a change. I feel so spoiled today,” said Francoirine Bellevue, a 63- year- old grandmother who attended the event.
Gifts were prepared and given to each and every guest who attended. Inside the gift bags were some ‘Ayiti Cherie’ products. Representatives from many sponsors (including Conventry Health Care and PharmCo Rx Pharmacy) were in place to teach guests about the line of services their companies offer to patients.
“I am very happy with how the event turned out,” said founder Princeton Jean-Glaude. “It is a big success. Thanks to the entire staff and my sponsors; I really appreciate all the help I received.”
For the past five years, Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic, offering state-of-the-art technology and genuine patient-centered care for non-life-threatening medical problems, has generously given back to the Haitian community.
This Mother’s Day event was a wonderful opportunity for community members to meet some of the medical professionals and other staff members who make Primary Medical Center one of the leading medical centers in the South Florida region. It was also a great opportunity to recognize their mission, which is to provide exceptional care to each person who steps through their doors, and to do so in a way that each person is treated as though they’re family.
Dessalines Ferdinand
