MIAMI GARDENS – Sticking to its Thanksgiving Celebration tradition with patients, Primary Medical Care Center and Urgent Care Clinic administrative and medical staff once again joined forces on Friday, November 16, to bring joy to more than 600 people. The rousing celebration will likely linger in the memories of many who attended the event.
Primary staff members helped bring the spirit of the holiday to the participants. It is so far the biggest gathering for 2018 and one of the largest family groups the clinic has ever had. Not only did many patients show up to celebrate, they also brought with them family members and friends, many of whom didn’t have anywhere else to go.
There was a little change in this year’s celebration, which was also the annual turkey, since the event was held at Bethel Evangelical Baptist Church in Miami Gardens, a very spacious and well accommodated plate for such event. Since 7am, staff members and volunteers were already on the site arranging chairs and tables, and other necessary sets to make sure the event.
The event was held at Bethel Evangelical Baptist Church in Miami Gardens. It was a spacious venue for such a gathering. Starting at 7am, staff members and volunteers began arranging chairs and tables and other items to ensure the event was a rousing success.
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Around 11am, Mistress of Ceremonies, Dr. Flore Lindor Latortue, as always, commands the attention of the crowd, finding the best words to address the details of the event. In her introduction address, she explained the reasons for the celebration and its importance. She also reminded the attendees that Primary Medical Care Center and Urgent Care Clinic is a family with mission to serve the community with distinct professional service with a smile. Dr. Latortue then called Dr. Arlie Darbouze who made another short introductory address before calling Pastor Pedro to the podium to deliver the invocation and benediction.
The entertainment program kicked off with gospel singer and guitarist “Femme à la Guitare” who graced the audience with a fifteen minute performance, singing a set of two songs that was well-received by the crowd. The young lady took a little time to chat with the elderlies.
The official host of the event, returned to keep the ceremony flowing as smoothly as possible. The host of radio show “Gade Tet ou’” found the right joke to keep the ceremony entertaining for all.
She was followed by Dr. Darbouze as the first speaker of the day. The Doctor of Pharmacy was there to address the attendees about “Diet during the Holidays.” Her intervention was based on tips for surviving the holiday season without sacrificing weight-loss goals and how to avoid gaining weight during this season.
Dr. Darbouze made the case that most likely no one would want to miss a Christmas party or family get-together, so the holidays are an especially high-risk time for those seeking to lose weight.
“By Christmas, most of the plans to eat less and exercise more have dwindled,” Dr. Dabouze noted. “And it’s easy to gain a significant amount of weight. One way to monitor your intake over time is to keep track of your daily eating habits.”
Dr. Jean Berlonge Pierre, MD, was then introduced as the second guest speaker of the day. The general practitioner in Primary’s Lauderdale Lakes clinic spoke about “Alzheimer’s and drug resistance.”
“Alzheimer is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. More than 3 million cases per year are reported in the U.S.,” said Dr. Pierre.
He noted that “memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms,” before adding, “No cure exists. Such situations can last for years or be lifelong, but medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms.”
Dr. Pierre stated a number of moderate stage Alzheimer’s symptoms, such as wandering or getting lost, forgetfulness about one’s own personal history, being unable to recall their own address or phone number, and continuously repeating stories.
During his 25 minute address, the young medical professional also went into detail about some examples of severe stage Alzheimer’s symptoms, which include possibly not recognize oneself or family, not communicating, and needing help with all activities of daily living.
While the guests were enjoying a good meal, local DJ Mario Apollon was at his best to put on some good music. At this year’s Thanksgiving celebration, two well-known local comedians were part of the entertainment lineup: Luphète F. Valcourt, aka ‘Sifraèl’ and Jean Corvens Rosier as Tonton Dezirab. Both are known in the Haitian community for their hilarious sense of humor and clean comedy. All their jokes were in good fun and they did not fail to have the elderly crowd laughing out loud.
Primary Medical Care Center and Urgent Care Clinic continued its tradition of philanthropy by distributing roughly 700 free frozen turkeys to help those in need before the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Primary’s annual turkey giveaway and Thanksgiving celebration bring hope and holiday cheer to the Haitian community,” said Princeton Jean-Glaude, founder and CEO of the company. “Even during difficulties and hardship times, we always find a way to give to others.”
“The spirit of giving lives on at Primary and we hope to alleviate uncertainty for those in need this holiday season. Primary’s commitment to the community is a testament to the spirit of Thanksgiving,” Mr. Jean-Glaude added. “Year after year, Primary helps meet the needs of struggling families during the Thanksgiving holiday.”
Patient Sauveur Pierre told LE FLORIDIEN, “I think it’s amazing that everybody can come together like this and just be one big, happy family for this Thanksgiving season. I can’t even begin to describe this clinic,” he added. “The equipment, the atmosphere, the staff, and the way they go about your medical needs. They are caring people; there’s a culture of caring here, and it feels like one big family. I feel God led me to this clinic for a good reason.”
Another patient, Marie Claudette Petit, aka Mommy, echoed that sentiment by saying, “It’s an amazing place. The minute we walked in the door, it felt like family – from the people who mop the floor to (CEO-founder) Mr. Princeton Jean-Glaude and Dr. Benjamen F. Chavre, one of the Miami branch medical staff. And everyone is so supportive. I love the clinic. I am a Primary patient for life.”
“I’m here to get a turkey for one of my neighbors who cannot attend,” a female guest said (she did not want to state her name). “Just having some hard times, so I want to make sure that this neighbor has a good Thanksgiving.”
“It’s great,” said Marise Sylvain, a young lady who was getting a turkey for herself. “Everybody gets together to help out people in need.”
Since its opening in April 2013, Primary Medical Center & Urgent Care Clinic hasn’t missed the chance to celebrate special occasions with its patients.
For the past five years, PMC & UCC, 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.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings we have, the friendships and family we cherish, and to reach out to those who may not be so fortunate. No matter where our station in life has brought us, let us be inspired by organizations like Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic and the people who leave an indelible and positive imprint on our community. Le Floridien and the community we serve want to extend a special THANK YOU to all the staff, volunteers, and patients that make this such an amazing community in which to live.
DF/LE FLORIDIEN