St Catherine health department receives $4 million in medical supplies from 4-H and US partners

Medical equipment and patient-care goods valued at four million dollars reached the St Catherine Health Department in Spanish Town on Monday, following collaboration between the Jamaica 4-H Foundation and the United States-based Living Well Community Centre.

Dr Joan Williamson, founder of the Florida-based Living Well Community Centre, said the gift reflects a sustained commitment to building capacity within Jamaica's health sector.

The latest contribution from Living Well follows assistance delivered in March, when the organisation joined Driscoll's Berries Company to hand over a cheque worth one million dollars to Jamaica 4-H Foundation 2016 Limited. That earlier support was directed at young farmers affected by Hurricane Melissa.

"It was a very easy decision to work with the 4-H [Foundation], as I am from an agricultural background. Both groups have been working throughout Jamaica, and this is the sixth visit since Hurricane Melissa. We know what is needed and it has been a blessed combination," Dr Williamson said.

Dr Tanesha Burke-Grant, medical officer for the St Catherine Health Department, said the supplies are critical to the daily work of health personnel. She noted the department's gratitude and said she hopes the partnership will be maintained.

"I am very pleased to have the donation of these items, which is well needed to assist in us carrying out our task of providing healthcare throughout the parish. We have 27 health centres throughout and each will benefit from the meaningful gesture," Dr Burke-Grant said.

The package covers primary care essentials, including gloves, gauze, syringes, walkers and wheelchairs, along with medicines, tablets, ointments and a variety of other items used in patient treatment.

Peter Thompson, managing director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, said the donation will "positively assist persons in the delivery of health services".