JRC-COVID 19 Response

Jamaica Red Cross has been a central figure in the national response to the COVID- 19 pandemic, playing a key role in coordination as well as on the ground response, especially in responding to the humanitarian needs of vulnerable communities across the Island. We have seen a dramatic increase in partnerships nationally from both public and private sector entities, which is a reflection of the national society’s standing as an impartial and neutral partner of choice for serving Jamaicans.

JRC Covid-19 Response
The JRC, through the support of its local and international partners, has made significant contributions to the nation’s COVID 19 fight. These include:

Over 12,500 families directly served with food and sanitation packages in over 350 local communities across the Island

JRC-COVID 19 Response
Red Cross volunteers preparing packages for distribution to vulnerable families
Red Cross volunteers on-site for distribution of relief packages to families.
JRC-COVID 19 Response
Delivering food packages using the “chain” of friendship

Over 100,000 families served by Jamaica Red Cross volunteers in partnership with Government of Jamaica and Private Sector Organization of Jamaica COVID 19 Response Project

Jamaica Red Cross Volunteers with PSOJ partners and JRC volunteers gracing the cover of PSOJ’s COVID 19 Project close out report

Over 30,000 hours of service contributed to by JRC volunteers, over the course of the pandemic response

Over 525 vulnerable families received cash grants under the JRC’s Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) Programme totaling 78,750 USD

School Gate Vendor in Manchester receiving cash and voucher assistance from JRC Staff in 2021
JRC-COVID 19 Response

Almost 300 staff and volunteers have been trained in Psychological First Aid including as part of the Mental Health Response Programme of the Ministry of Health and Wellness

Minister of Health and Wellness, Hon. Christopher Tufton presenting JRC’s Psychological First Aid Certificate to participant trained by the JRC under the Government’s Mental Health Response Programme

Over 250 Volunteers trained in other disciplines

COVID 19 national education and awareness campaign including the sharing of COVID-19 prevention messages on T-shirts, floor signs, posters and on radio stations.

Anti-stigma and anti-discrimination campaign launched, including development of COVID 19 anti-stigma song and video done in collaboration with international dancehall and reggae artiste, Bay-C. We also enlisted the support of local influencers who used their social media pages to endorse the JRC’s anti-stigma and antidiscrimination campaign.

National database of vulnerable persons created, which is being used by the government and other partners to serve vulnerable communities.