Children at the Holy Family Children’s Home received free dental examinations, oral health education and donated supplies as the Rotary Club of Saint Lucia combined healthcare with community outreach during a special visit using its newly introduced mobile dental clinic.
The initiative provided dental check-ups for the children while also delivering essential items and gifts on July 31, 2026, and helped reinforce the Rotary Club’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of young people across the island.
President of the Rotary Club of Saint Lucia, Leevie Herrelle, encouraged the children to embrace good oral hygiene, presenting toothbrushes as an important tool for protecting their health.
“Now I know the children might be thinking, ‘Oh no, the Rotarians are bringing toothbrushes instead of toys,'” Herrelle said. “But let me tell you kids a little secret. These are really magic brushes.”
He explained that regular brushing can help protect against tooth decay.
“If you use them twice a day with the toothpaste they will protect you with this ultimate villain called the sugar monster.”
Past President of the Rotary Club, Dr Azmina Long, said the organization has supported the Holy Family Children’s Home on previous occasions, primarily through food donations, but described the introduction of the mobile dental clinic as a major step forward.
“We’ve done other things with them before, but mainly food donations, but with this amazing bus we have today, and I’ve already experienced it today with the first child, it’s amazing,” she said.
Long said the mobile clinic has the potential to transform access to dental care for children throughout Saint Lucia.
“It will do so much service for this country beyond measure, because it’s going to give all the kids that don’t have access to dental care, they will get access to dental care here, because it’s a beautifully equipped bus.”
She praised the collaborative effort that made the initiative possible.
“I’m so proud of the Ministry of Health, our Rotary Club, and everybody that collaborated with us to get this bus into motion, and I’m so happy to be using it on behalf of the Rotary Club today.”
Sister Odette of the Holy Family Children’s Home expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Rotary Club and its partners.
“I thank you so very much, the Rotary Club and the doctors, including the DBS News, for helping us to take care of the children, to give goods and everything that the children need every day.”
The outreach formed part of the Rotary Club of Saint Lucia’s ongoing community service efforts, combining preventive healthcare with practical support to improve the lives of vulnerable children while promoting the importance of oral health from an early age.