LAUDERDALE LAKES – It has already been one year since Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic, one of the leading medical centers in South Florida offering state-of-the-art technology and genuine patient-centered care for non-life-threatening medical problems, opened a new branch in Broward County.
The move came four years after the opening of its first branch in Miami in response to growing business and increasing demand for health care needs in the region. The Lauderdale Lakes branch’s official inauguration was grandiose; it was an event that created buzz in the community and helped set since day one this new branch apart from the competition and now brings new patients through the door in large numbers.
The Official Grand Opening of this second branch was held on Friday, June 6, 2017. Since the opening, the staff has been working to bring additional services to Broward County and help meet the growing needs for primary care. And as he’s always looking to show gratitude to those who support his businesses, Princeton Jean Glaude, founder and CEO of the company, could not let this special occasion sneak by without celebrating with the patients. That’s why, with the support of the entire staff and several local sponsors, he organized an event recently (Friday, September 7) to mark the first year of operation of this Lauderdale Lakes clinic.
From 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, medical staff, administrative staff, and volunteers joined forces to welcome 200-plus guests in the backyard of the building for the big celebration.
After a great introduction speech, Dr. Flore Lindor Latortue, who emceed the event, called brother Althierry Leandre, member of Shalom Community Church in North Miami, up to deliver the invocation and benediction. Mr. Leandre prayed for the owner’s family, the staff, and thanked God for the success of the new branch during its first year of operation. He also thanked the Lord for the guests in attendance. “Help us God to enjoy this moment, help us Lord to stick together for now and forever,” concluded Brother Leandre as the audience joined him in saying ‘Amen’.
As always, the host of the ceremony took some time to acknowledge many well-known personalities in the audience. Mrs. Latortue, who emceed the opening ceremonies of both Miami and Lauderdale Lakes branches, told the gathering crowd that the company is here to stay. She went on to elaborate on the vision of the founder and on how he really cares for his community.
Staff member Renel Denis Bellevue was then called to greet the elderly crowd and thank them for the trust they have placed in the clinic. “I am happy to see all of you here this morning,” Bellevue said. “There is no Primary without you. Your presence means a lot for the entire staff because we know there are so many other clinics you could go to, but you chose to place your trust in us. Trust me, together we will continue to move forward.”
With the help of local DJ Mario Apollon playing the music, Mrs. Latortue was joined by two other women (Pollo and Stacy), and took on the role of dance instructors to lead a little workout class. All the audience embarked with Joyce in this short senior fitness exercise.
Guest speaker Dr. Jean Berlonge Pierre, MD, a general practitioner in Primary’s Lauderdale Lakes clinic, spoke about three chronic illnesses: high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. As part of the prevention topic of the day, the young medical professional pointed out the reason most of the time he speaks about these diseases is because they are prevalent in the Haitian community.
“Diabetes can take ten years to destroy your kidney, Dr. Pierre said. “Blood pressure takes a couple of months to destroy your kidneys, and high cholesterol is very dangerous. That is why we doctors always recommend patients to control their blood pressure and their sugar.” He went into detail to explain to the guests what those three diseases are and the risk factors associated with them 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.
“Preventive care is the most important step you can take to manage your health,” Dr. Pierre reminded those in attendance.
Tony Salomon, Benefits Consultant who represents Sim
ply Healthcare, one of the event sponsors, also addressed the audience. “I am happy to be here. I want to congratulate Dr. Pierre on these subjects (diabetes and blood pressure). Education is very important. Informing yourself is very important. If you are diabetic I suggest that you get as much education as possible. The doctor can direct you, but it is your responsibility to control your blood sugar.”
Ms. Kerline Jean Baptiste, a representative of Coventry Health Care of Florida, spoke about open enrollment which is around the corner and the type of services the company offers. She also invited members of the attendance to come see her for any questions they may have about Medicare and what’s going to happen next year. She was more than happy to answer individual questions from attendees.
Tania, another female guest speaker, addressed the attendees about civic action. “In order to have healthcare, we need people to represent us. In order for us to have people to represent us, we need to vote during election time.” It was a way for her to introduce the mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, Hazelle P. Rogers, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the clinic one year ago.
“It is just good to be here this morning to wish you all the best,” the Mayor said. “I cannot believe, Princeton,” she said as she glanced at him, “that one year after opening this facility you were able to put all these people into this anniversary celebration. That is what Lauderdale Lakes does. We have good people, great businesses, and we just want to say to Primary Care we are happy you chose Lauderdale Lakes, and you know that we are here to serve businesses. We have meetings with our business owners and that is what we do to make sure they take good care of you.”
“Mr. Princeton, I wish you continue to expand and good luck,” added Mayor Rogers who praised the mistress of the ceremony (Dr. Lindor) for her love of her community and her community engagement.
Vice Mayor Beverly Williams also attended the event and did not miss the opportunity to address the guests and wish all the best to Primary founder and CEO Princeton Jean Glaude and the entire staff. “I cannot believe a year has already passed,” Mrs. Williams said. “As a retired nurse I would like to say that prevention is key. Make sure you go to your appointments on time. It is best to take care something before it happens to you. I am happy to have Primary in the city and I wish you guys continued success.”
Following these remarks was personal security consultant Glo Knowles. Speaking about personal lifestyle and the importance of following a doctor’s prescription orders, she told the attendees that “we can all agree here that knowledge without application is like having no knowledge at all.”
“Every time we make the choice not to follow our doctor’s orders, not to do the right thing, we have to pay the consequence. We need to remember that we have the power of choosing. We can choose health or we can choose the opposite of health. We are always one decision away from changing our life forever.”
Founder and CEO Princeton Jean Glaude was the last personality who addressed the gathering.
“We would like to thank our community, colleagues, business partners and hundreds of patients who already trust us as we celebrate our first year,” he said. “We’ve built so many great relationships already and we’re thankful for the opportunity to serve the community in and around Lauderdale Lakes. Our reward is when we see the gratitude on the faces of the patients we serve.”
Food and drink were provided during the four hour celebration. Local DJ Mario Apollon was on his best to make the guests enjoy some good music. Part of a raffle, five participants left the building with more joy on their faces since there were happy winners of some valuable prizes offered by Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic’s owner and PharmCo Pharmacy, one of the sponsors. PMCC female patient Arnelle Metellus was the luckiest winner of the day as she took home the 32-inch LED TV offered by the clinic, thanks to her matching ticket number for the drawing.
At Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic, Helping Patients Live Healthy is the motto. People are more than just patients. They become part of the PMCC family the minute they walk into the facility.
In a year of operations, PMCC & UCC has made its mark in Lauderdale Lakes by offering urgent care to the region’s disadvantaged residents and the broader community. The clinic located at 2412 N State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, encompasses about 3,600 square feet, features 7 medical rooms, and offers 36 parking spaces for patients.
If you need personalized care and medical professionals who listen to your concerns and provide timely care, a place where you’ll feel like family and not a number, you should visit one of the branches of Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic. Having reliable medical care is a blessing and Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic is a light throughout the region for those who long to care for their health and who need the best support, service, and counsel available.
DF/Le Floridien