WRHA hosts support services fair for western Jamaica healthcare workers

WESTERN BUREAU:

Healthcare professionals in western Jamaica got to receive support services for themselves last Friday, when the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) hosted a special fair at the Pier One entertainment venue in Montego Bay, St James, to benefit those on healthcare delivery’s front lines following Hurricane Melissa.

The event, the second of its kind under the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Health Hurricane Recovery Programme, saw several public- and private-sector operators providing financial literacy sessions, psychosocial well-being services, and personal medical check-ups for healthcare workers who most recently provided care for citizens of Jamaica’s western parishes above and beyond the call of duty, following the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28.

St Andrade Sinclair, the WRHA’s regional director, told Friday’s function that the event was necessary in order to acknowledge the healthcare workers’ selfless service during the months following the Category 5 hurricane.

“The last few months have tested us in ways we never imagined. Hurricane Melissa didn’t just damage our hospitals and health centres; it struck at the very heart of our homes and our families. I know many of you are here today (Friday) having worked tirelessly during and after the disaster, all while wondering how you would fix your own roof or replace what the wind and water took away,” said Sinclair.

“One of the most quietly devastating parts of a storm like Melissa is the loss of our ‘identity’, those essential documents like birth certificates, passports, and property titles that we’ve spent a lifetime securing, being lost in an instant. That is exactly why we are here today,” Sinclair added. “We want to bring these essential services directly to you as a tangible sense of support in these times of recovery. This is our way of saying that we value you as survivors who deserve a smooth path to recovery.”

Krystal Lee, state minister in the health ministry, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government of Jamaica for the beneficiaries’ continued provision of quality healthcare in times of national challenges and crises.

“This Healthcare Workers Support Fair is an initiative that is not only timely, but deeply meaningful. Today (Friday) is about our community health aides, technicians, administrative staff nurses, doctors, support personnel, and every worker who keeps Jamaica’s health system functioning daily,” said Lee.

“Let me say on behalf of the Government of Jamaica and the Ministry of Health, thank you for standing on the front lines when it mattered, and still matters most. Thank you for choosing service over comfort, duty over fear, and compassion over fatigue. Thank you for your resilience, your professionalism, and your unwavering commitment to the people of Jamaica,” Lee added.

During the day’s proceedings, representatives from the National Land Agency, Tax Administration Jamaica, and Courts Optical, along with other stakeholder organisations, were on hand to provide the necessary services for the healthcare workers.

christopher.thomas@gleanerjm.com