Adventist Hospital in Jamaica Partners to Provide Free Health Services in Hurricane-Affected Communities

Recovery outreach brings medical treatment and emotional support to communities in St. Elizabeth impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

January 26, 2026 | Kingston, Jamaica | Dyhann Buddoo-Fletcher and IAD News Staff

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Andrews Memorial Hospital (AMH), the Allkare Wellness Foundation, and the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church brought a Hurricane Recovery Health Clinic to the communities of Balaclava, Thornton, and Siloah in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. The Dec. 7 outreach served hundreds of residents and extended beyond medical, optical, and dental services to include psychosocial care for families affected by the storm.

A three-member mental health team from the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church, including a clinical psychologist, a psychiatrist and a medical social worker, spent the day in Thornton listening, counseling and offering hope to survivors.

“There are some people who we saw today who, for the very first time, were speaking to a counselor,” explained clinical psychologist Dr. Karyl Powell-Booth. “Many of them have been carrying emotional and psychological baggage for years, so it is significant for us that we were able to make a positive difference in their lives, she said. “This is just a drop in the ocean, and we intend to have continuous follow-up.”

A Vehicle for Healing Communities

Donmayne Gyles, president of Andrews Memorial Hospital, highlighted the importance of being present for people not only in body but also in mind and spirit.

“We are humbled and grateful that Andrews Memorial Hospital can be a vehicle through which God brings healing to these communities,” he said. “It is not only about treating physical illness. We are especially thankful that we could help provide psychosocial care for persons who need hope and mental strength to continue life after the storm.”

Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Making Headways Dr Powell-Booth, said that one woman had delayed seeking help for almost a decade, even after her pastor acknowledged that her situation required professional intervention. When she heard that the team was in the community, she referred herself and finally received the counseling she had long needed.

“I told the psychologist that I felt overwhelmed,” Pearl* shared after her session. “I have always seen myself as a strong person, but recently I just felt like I could not take any more. Then Melissa’s hard hit just made everything heavier,” she said.  “I realized they had this counseling service here today, so I came. I am feeling a bit lighter, and given more assistance in moving forward.”

Meeting Deep Needs

Lecturer at the University of the West Indies and medical social worker Maureen Little, said the day was a powerful reminder of both the scale of need and residents’ openness to share.

“We were really blown away by the challenges that these persons encountered and how receptive they are to the care that we have to give,” said Little. “People see Melissa as a horrible thing. We see Melissa as a blessing in many ways because the people we met today and the way we were able to make a difference would not have happened if we were not here.”

In addition to psychological care, approximately 365 residents received free medical and dental services, vision screening, medications, vaccinations, and care packages, through a coordinated effort involving public health agencies, nonprofit partners, and private-sector sponsors.

Dr. Derria Cornwall, consultant radiologist at the University Hospital of the West Indies and Precision Imaging Center, described how the team used the opportunity to update tetanus vaccination coverage among adults who were not current with their vaccines.

“We gave vaccines to those who were not up to date with their immunization for tetanus,” said Cornwall “People were so grateful. They realized that we were unreservedly compassionate, understanding and empathetic about their situation,” she added. “That is what I liked about our outreach, serving while keeping dignity and remembering that we are all equal children of God.”

For residents like Dorrett Burton, the health clinic was a lifeline amid both personal illness and storm-related losses. A stroke survivor whose home and small shop were damaged, Burton said the outreach provided timely care and reassurance.

“This health fair means a lot to me,” she said. “The doctor saw me and treated me so kindly. Now I’m scheduled for heart tests and I’m receiving my medication through the NHF bus.”

Partnership and Commitment in Action

Member of Parliament for Northeast St Elizabeth, Zuleika Jess, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the constituency, praising the organizers for their willingness to expand the outreach at short notice.

“You have all collaborated with various stakeholders to bring such joy and relief for a disaster-ridden parish and constituency,” she said, addressing Leroy Dallas, CEO of Allkare Wellness Foundation and Donmayne Gyles.

“When we asked at the very last minute for you to add a location, you did not hesitate. The residents have been speaking about it and continue to express thanks and gratitude.”

For Dallas, the mission required sacrifice, but the purpose made it worthwhile.

“It is not inexpensive to bring a large team from Kingston to St Elizabeth,” he noted. “We came with doctors, nurses, dentists, eye specialists, pharmacy services and other volunteers. All our services are free of charge, and we are happy to be here and committed to the mission. God has been good to us, and it is a blessing to serve here.”

* person’s name changed for confidentiality.