The Jamaica Red Cross, in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, has handed over emergency medical equipment valued at approximately US$267,000 (about JMD $42 million) to the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), boosting healthcare capacity across western Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The equipment was formally transferred during a ceremony on Thursday (March 5, 2026) at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, marking the conclusion of an international emergency medical deployment that supported communities in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Speaking at the event, The Hon. Krystal Lee, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, underscored the significance of the partnership in supporting the country’s recovery.
“The culture of care is alive and well through the work of the Jamaica Red Cross, whose continuity in providing relief, especially in the wake of emergencies, remains a distinct part of its legacy,” the Minister said.
She noted that Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage to health infrastructure across several parishes in western and southern Jamaica, disrupting access to healthcare and placing severe pressure on already strained facilities and medical personnel.
“Against the backdrop of debris and despair, the support of the Jamaica Red Cross signified hope, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to safeguard the health and dignity of the Jamaican people,” she added.
The donation includes approximately 35 pallets of Emergency Response Unit (ERU) equipment and medical supplies, including airway management kits, suction equipment and triage tools used in emergency medical care. The equipment was deployed by the Canadian Red Cross during the immediate disaster response and will now remain in Jamaica to strengthen the public health system.
During the emergency response phase, Red Cross-supported medical teams worked alongside the Ministry of Health and Wellness to operate 32 static and mobile clinics across Westmoreland, St. James, St. Elizabeth and Hanover, providing emergency medical care to more than 1,000 patients.
Acting Regional Director of the WRHA, Deveta McLaren, said the donation will play a vital role in strengthening health services across the western region as recovery continues.
“The region experienced significant devastation, placing immense pressure on our healthcare facilities and our healthcare workers, many of whom were also personally affected,” McLaren said.
She added that the equipment will be strategically distributed across hospitals and health centres throughout the region to maximize its impact.
“Donations such as these will help us improve patient care, strengthen preparedness and support the dedicated healthcare professionals who serve the residents of western Jamaica,” she said.
The handover forms part of the broader recovery effort following Hurricane Melissa, with the Jamaica Red Cross continuing to support communities through health outreach, psychosocial support, disaster preparedness training and resilience-building initiatives.
The event also highlighted the longstanding humanitarian partnership between Jamaica and Canada and the continued collaboration between national authorities and the international Red Cross and Red Crescent network in supporting disaster recovery and preparedness.
