US-based World Cares Center partners with Help Jamaica to carry out medical missions in hurricane-affected areas

New York-based World Cares Center is teaming up with Dr Robert Clarke from Help Jamaica Medical Mission and Dr Bill Tinglin to undertake a major medical and humanitarian initiative across several parishes affected by Hurricane Melissa.

World Cares Center, led by Professor Lisa Orloff, is an internationally recognised leader in disaster response, emergency management, and community resilience.

Tinglin and Clarke, president and CEO of the Help Jamaica Medical Mission, on Friday announced a comprehensive medical and humanitarian deployment serving communities across Jamaica, combining emergency medical care, emotional resiliency programming, and long-term capacity building.

Through this collaboration, medical supplies, medications, personal protective equipment, trained medical professionals, and emotional resiliency specialists are being deployed to communities including Hopewell, Great Valley, Cascade, Ramble and Nyerere in Hanover; Bethel Town and Negril in Westmoreland; and Mandeville.

A central pillar of this initiative is capacity building.

In addition to providing direct medical care, the team is training Jamaican medical and non-medical students to become certified emergency responders, strengthening Jamaica’s national preparedness, emergency response capability, and long-term resilience.

All activities are being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Western Regional Health Authority, Northern Caribbean University, and local community leadership, ensuring alignment with national health priorities and on-the-ground needs.

This is one of several deployments that represent a powerful model of diaspora-driven national service, uniting Jamaica-born leadership, international emergency response professionals, academic institutions, and trusted community partners. The mission is designed to address immediate medical needs and to leave behind strengthened systems, trained responders, and renewed hope, they said.

Tinglin, who was born in Bethel Town, Westmoreland, is a globally respected educator, humanitarian, and United Nations collaborator. He is the founder and chairman of the Jamaican Rising Day Parade. He has been one of Jamaica’s most consistent contributors to the diaspora medical community since 2012, delivering millions of dollars worth of medical supplies to hospitals, clinics, schools, and other medical institutions across the island.

Orloff is the founder of World Cares Center and an adjunct professor based in New York. She is supported by a highly trained inter-state emergency response and logistics team, whose expertise in disaster preparedness, volunteer coordination, and community resiliency strengthens the overall mission.

“This work is deeply personal,” said Tinglin. “It is about giving back to the communities that shaped us and ensuring Jamaica is stronger, healthier, and more prepared for the future.

“Our mission has always been service,” added Clarke. “Together with our partners, we are expanding care, building capacity, and standing with the people of Jamaica where it matters most.”

Orloff noted that “World Cares Center and our New York inter-state team are honoured to stand alongside Jamaican leaders and communities, bringing professional emergency response expertise while empowering local leadership and resilience.”

Lester Hinds

Medical & Community Outreach Schedule

January 12- Nyeraere — Medical Clinic and Community Outreach

January 13 - Cascade — Medical Clinic

January 14 - Great Valley — Medical Clinic

January 15 - Bethel Town — Medical Clinic