Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry makes first appearance after onstage fall

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry has returned to the public eye, six months after sustaining severe injuries during an onstage fall.

The physician and former beauty pageant contestant appeared at the Integrity Children's Fund's Dinner en Rouge Gala in Atlanta on Saturday, May 16. According to People magazine, Henry delivered an emotional speech at the event, which touched on her recovery efforts after her fall at the Miss Universe pageant in November.

Henry was strolling across the stage in a long, flowing orange gown during the contest's preliminary evening gown round in Thailand when the beauty personality suddenly fell off the stage, as seen in social media video of the incident shared at the time.

Henry was quickly hospitalized at a facility in Bangkok. In a Dec. 8 press release, the Miss Universe Organization and Henry's family revealed that her fall had resulted in an intracranial hemorrhage with loss of consciousness, a fracture, facial lacerations and other significant injuries.

"Despite the prolonged recovery I have been going through, I could not miss being present to support such a remarkable event," Henry said at the gala, People reported, citing social media footage of the event.

Integrity Children's Fund is a nonprofit organization that aims to reduce illiteracy among Jamaican and immigrant children by providing educational resources to underprivileged schools, according to the organization's official website.

"Today, we recognize and celebrate the amazing efforts of our fellow brothers – members of the Jamaican diaspora who have poured out their hearts and souls into something so meaningful and empowering," Henry said during her appearance, per People.

During her hospitalization, Henry remained in critical condition under constant neurological monitoring, the Miss Universe Organization confirmed in December. The severity of her injuries required 24-hour specialist supervision. The organization added that upon her return to Jamaica, Henry would be accompanied by a full medical escort team and transferred directly to a hospital for continued treatment and recovery.

"This season has redefined restoration and renewal for me," Henry wrote in a Feb. 13 Instagram post, which included photos from her hospitalization. "At a time when I wanted only to represent Jamaica at my fullest, I faced the most unexpected injury of my life.

"It shifted everything. Yet I have learned that a fall can uncover a depth of strength you did not know you possessed. My greatest strength has been in choosing to rise, even while I am still on the journey."

The Miss Universe alum was reportedly released from the hospital in March but remained "under close medical watch and care," according to People magazine.

Henry's family thanked the Miss Universe Organization in December for its support amid her recovery, including an agreement to cover all future medical expenses related to the incident.

"The Henry family is deeply grateful to the Miss Universe Organization for their unwavering compassion, presence and love shown," the family said in a joint press release with Miss Universe. "Their response so far has gone beyond professional responsibility and reflected devotion and protection of the family."

Contributing: Taijuan Moorman and Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY