Portland Health Alliance mobilises support to strengthen healthcare services

Access to quality healthcare should not depend on where a person lives but, for many residents of Portland, obtaining essential medical services can mean travelling outside the parish, sometimes over considerable distances.

From dialysis and mammograms to diagnostic testing and specialised care, gaps in local healthcare provision have placed additional demands on patients and their families. Rural residents face particular challenges when seeking emergency, urgent and long-term treatment.

It is against this background that the Portland Health Alliance (PHA), a registered non-profit charitable organisation, is seeking to mobilise resources and partnerships to strengthen healthcare services across the parish.

Established in 2025 by a small group of concerned Portlanders and officially launched on October 23, 2026, the Alliance brings together individuals, professionals, organisations and supporters in Jamaica and overseas who share an interest in improving healthcare for residents and visitors.

According to Chairman, Dr Kevin McNaught, its vision is straightforward: good healthcare for residents and visitors in Portland.

“The PHA was established by a small group of concerned Portlanders to help find solutions to the longstanding and increasing difficulties in obtaining good healthcare that we, families, friends and visitors continue to experience in our parish,” Dr McNaught.

urgent need

Dr McNaught, a Jamaica-born neuroscience research executive with an extensive background in neurological research and research management in the United States, said the Alliance was formed in response to concerns about the availability of essential healthcare services in the parish.

The organisation aims to increase funding and acquire resources for the health service, build partnerships and improve support from different sectors, while encouraging healthier lifestyle choices among Portlanders.

Its work comes at a time when healthcare providers across the parish continue to face resource constraints, despite having skilled and committed personnel.

During recent discussions with representatives of the Portland Health Department, including Dr Sharon Lewis, Joan Robinson-McPherson and Althea Gardner, the Alliance identified several areas requiring attention. These included physiotherapy resources, imaging equipment and additional space to support the delivery of patient care.

“It is clear that the parish has highly skilled and committed healthcare providers, but there is a lack of many resources that they need to provide the best care possible for their patients,” Dr McNaught said.

“There is an urgent need for physiotherapy resources, imaging equipment, more space, and other essential resources that would help healthcare professionals deliver the standard of care they want for their patients,” he added.

The discussions reinforced the need for an organisation that can help connect healthcare providers with the resources and support required to improve services.

team-based approach

One of the Alliance’s early interventions has been the presentation of high-tech blood pressure monitoring machines valued at US$5,000 to the Port Antonio Health Centre. The donation followed a request from the Portland Health Department for equipment to support its partnership with The University of the West Indies (UWI) in implementing a team-based approach to hypertension management.

The initiative will involve community health aides in supporting the management of high blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other serious health complications.

Dr McNaught said the monitors are expected to strengthen the work of healthcare professionals by providing equipment needed to support the programme and improve the monitoring of patients.

The donation reflects the Alliance’s approach of working alongside health authorities to identify specific needs and respond with practical assistance. Beyond equipment, the PHA is also looking at ways to strengthen health education and training, particularly in areas where families, educators and communities may need additional guidance.

educational seminars

One emerging concern is the increase in cases of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), being experienced in several districts.

The Alliance is organising educational seminars involving international experts to provide guidance to principals, teachers, classroom aides and parents or guardians on supporting children with these conditions in schools and at home.

Dr McNaught said the seminars would help address an important gap in the knowledge and resources available to those responsible for children’s development and care.

“There is clearly a need for more education and training in many areas. Many districts are experiencing significant increases is cases of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and ADHD, in children. We are now organising educational seminars with world experts to guide principals, teachers, aides and parents or guardians on how to manage these conditions in schools and homes,” he said.

The proposed sessions are intended to help those who work with and care for children better understand their needs and respond with appropriate support.

advisory board established

The Alliance believes that improving healthcare requires more than the provision of medical equipment. Education, collaboration and stronger community awareness are also important to ensure that patients receive appropriate care and that families are better equipped to make informed health decisions.

To guide its interventions, the PHA is working closely with healthcare service leaders and officials, and has established an advisory board comprising healthcare providers based in Portland. The organisation has also appointed a community engagement leader who will connect with residents to hear about their experiences and identify needs that should inform its priorities.

Dr McNaught said these arrangements would help ensure that the Alliance’s activities are informed by the experiences of healthcare providers and the wider community. “We are working very closely with the leaders and officials in the healthcare service. We have also developed an advisory board comprising healthcare providers on the ground in Portland,” he explained.

He added that the community engagement leader would help the organisation understand residents’ experiences and needs, allowing these to be incorporated into its goals. The engagements will also provide guidance and help the Alliance report on the impact of its interventions.

APPEAL

The organisation is seeking to build a wider network of support, recognising that improving healthcare across Portland will require sustained contributions from residents, the diaspora, healthcare professionals, businesses, philanthropists and other well-wishers.

Although still in its early stages, Dr McNaught said the PHA had already received encouraging interest from people at home and abroad, as well as visitors who recognise the need for improved healthcare resources in the parish. “Fundraising, network building and collaboration will be major drivers of the PHA’s mission,” he said.

Support may take the form of financial contributions, donations of medical equipment and supplies, volunteering, professional expertise or helping to raise awareness of the organisation’s mission.

McNaught is appealing to former students of Titchfield High School, members of the Portland diaspora, corporate Jamaica and other well-wishers to become involved.

“Portlanders need your help!” he urged. “There are many ways to contribute to this mission: donation of funds, gifting of resources, volunteers and spreading the word on the PHA’s mission. Every contribution is valuable and helps to improve healthcare in Portland.”

People interested in supporting the Portland Health Alliance can visit portlandhealalliance.org, email info@portlandhealthalliance.org or contact the organisation via WhatsApp or text at 561-779-7859.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com