The Wellness Programme was introduced to the Department arising from the signing of a 2006-2008 Heads of Agreement signed between the unions representing staff members of the DCS and the Government of Jamaica. The fund is managed by a Committee comprised of members drawn from the Department and Unions and Associations.
The Wellness Programme was launched with the inauguration of a Mega Health Fair in March 2008 and included the official opening of the gym at the Spanish Town Prison Oval.
The aim and objective of the Wellness Programme is to promote healthy life style practices among DCS staff members through education and awareness programmes such as this one. These practices will by large, result in an improved quality of life for staff members, which will benefit themselves, their families, communities and workplace.
Staff members benefit from the Wellness Fund via health fairs which are conducted on an annual basis. Health Fairs such as this one are held at strategic locations so that staff members in and around the locations can have access to a range of services such as:
- Heart Screening
- Blood pressure checks
- Blood sugar check\Cholesterol checks
- HIV Testing
- Pap smear
- Prostate Testing
- Eye Screening
Health Fairs are mainly held at the St. Catherine, the tower Street and either the Richmond Farm Sports Clubs or the Carl Rattray Staff College.
Other benefits provided by the Wellness Fund include:
- Gym Access
- Participation in marathons
- Assistance with Medical Expenses and or diagnostic tests
- Health Conferences
The Wellness Fund continues to serve the need of staff members throughout the Department with the promotion of holistic lifestyle practices.