MIAMI – A South Florida team of 113 medical professionals and volunteers begin a one-week medical mission to Jamaica starting, Thursday, June 15 through Saturday, June 24.
The group in its sixth year include doctors, nurses, para-medical and volunteers from the Nova Southeastern Medical University in Fort Lauderdale and will cover several communities in all the parishes of Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Mary.
Medical supplies and pharmaceuticals totaling nearly $25,000 will be distributed to the clinics and institutions visited by the medical team.
The team expects more than 4,000 patients to receive treatment in the areas of hypertension, eco-cardiogram, cholesterol screening, dentistry, optometry and provide pharmaceuticals during the week.
Health education sessions will also be provided to help people develop healthy lifestyles. Dr. Paula Anderson-Worth, a family practitioner of the Nova Southeastern Medical School, and the team coordinator noted that the patients are eager for information at the institutions visited.
The medical team will also visit students in nearly 10 schools, as well as some penal institutions.
According to Dr. Anderson-Worth, the group has built a track record over the years providing ongoing care to several patients and by that continuity has improved health care to many.
An electronic information system has been established by the team for continued usage throughout the year, providing follow-up treatment on some patients, she added.
The patients have responded favorably and have expressed appreciation for the support and assistance they have been receiving over the years, and the improvement in the health condition of the patients have been gratifying to all involved, she continued.
The annual medical mission continues to attract students and professionals to the areas of real need, according to Jamaican national, Don Daly of CRI Communications, who initiated the project in 2000.
He estimated that the mission costs about $100,000 annually, most of which is paid through sponsorships in Jamaica and South Florida. Each volunteer has to cover his personal expenses including accommodation and airfare which runs $750.
Some of the sponsors include Air Jamaica Limited, Moneygram, Jamaica National Building Society, Grace Kennedy, Kingston Miami Trading, Pepsi Cola, Juicy Patties, Pegasus Hotel, Sandals Resorts, Beaches Boscobel and Golden Seas Resorts.
Mr. Daly continues to express appreciation to the Ministries of Health, National Security and Finance for their continued commitment and overwhelming support of the work of the medical mission.
According to Moneygram’s Caribbean Marketing Manager, Eric Pena, who is accompanying the team, “the mission is fervently supported as it is seen as a tremendous sacrifice of team sprit and resources”. His company, an ardent sponsor of several national and international projects, continues to support the social well being of any community, especially in areas of health and education.
