Residents of Swift River and surrounding communities in Portland will soon have access to the services of their health centre which was destroyed during a major flood more than a decade ago, as the facility is expected to reopen soon.

The residents were also the beneficiaries of a health fair which was hosted by the Portland Health Department.

“We saw the need and decided to do a holistic service from the health department, the Registrar General Department, Rural Agricultural Development Agency, Portland Credit Union, Portland Probation Office, and different health services including a medical team from Florida,” explain Health Education Officer for Portland, Valrie McLeary.

She also lauded residents of the community, especially Matilda Blake who rallied everyone to make the event a success.

“There are individuals who have made sacrifices in the community to make this venture possible and Matilda Blake has really motivated the community,” McLeary said.

The 86-year-old Blake who is affectionately called ‘Miss Metty’ expressed satisfaction that residents were able to benefit from the fair.

“We sent letters to the health minister, the ministry, doctors, to St Ann’s Bay, Kingston and Port Antonio to ask why the clinic was not reopened after the 2001 floods because people live here and we pay tax, water and light bills too,” Blake told the Jamaica Observer North East.

“One day a doctor lady came here … and told us that the reopening of the clinic was not on the budget so we must see if we can get some money so when doctor come we can pay for the light and the water. I started to get money to furnish the place and put down some to pay for the light and water when doctor come. I am glad that we do it and the people supported me and we are at the end of it now,” she beamed.

She further explained that support was also received from people in England, Canada and America to help refurnish the clinic.

“I am happy about it as I live out my years but the younger people will benefit as it is a lovely clinic” she said smiling.

Portland Parish Manager Dr Isaac Brown said the clinic will be reopened soon as it serves a number of communities.

“There is a team from the United States here and other agencies as we look at the holistic man. It is very important for this health centre to be opened so that we are able to do some maternal and child health programme from this facility,” he told residents, adding that the facility will be re-opened very soon.

Patrick Baxter, one of the leaders of the team from the Caribbean American Educational Organisation which comprises a group of university medical students from Florida State University said the overseas medical mission has physicians, physician associates and student nurses.

“The organisation started 20 years ago by Dr David Keene and we bring students who one day will be nurses, doctors and in the medical field,” he said.

Baxter reported further that the health status of the patients in the area is relatively good.

“I am very impressed…the persons here seem to be in better health from the areas I’ve been before”, he pointed out.

-Everard Owen