LINSTEAD Public Hospital has received more support through its five-year partnership with the Tru-Juice 5K Run/Walk and 20K Cycle initiative, which raised $1.2 million from its seventh staging of the annual off-road event earlier this year.

The money raised has been put toward the purchase of a blood analyser and an ultrasound machine for the hospital, which provides critical health care to the St Catherine populace.

Peter McConnell, managing director of Trade Winds Citrus Limited — manufacturers of Tru-Juice — is pleased with the partnership and said: “We recognise the importance of sustainable community development and remain committed to improving health care in the Linstead community and throughout Jamaica.”

According to Tru-Juice Brand Manager Lauren Mahfood, the June staging was the most successful one to date.

“On hearing the need of the hospital, we made significant efforts to increase the support of sponsors and participants this year. That resulted in us receiving an almost 20 per cent increase in participation and achieving our monetary goal to answer the call from the hospital,” said Mahfood.

An official presentation was made to the Linstead Public Hospital at the facility’s grounds on October 9.

The blood analyser and ultrasound machine will facilitate well-needed services within the laboratory and accident and emergency sections, respectively, a release has said.

The five-year partnership with the hospital has seen donations from the annual charity event amounting to approximately $4 million, the release continued.

The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Paul McIntyre is grateful for the machines, as they will reduce the wait time for patients.

“The hospital has never had either of these machines. They (Linstead Public Hospital) had to outsource assistance from the Spanish Town Hospital when they needed these machines,” he admitted. “We greatly appreciate the donation and that Tru-Juice doesn’t only help Linstead Public Hospital but other entities [as well].”

The annual Tru-Juice 5K Run/Walk and 20K Cycle event is the only one of its kind in Jamaica, the release said, with a picturesque route that takes participants through the Tru-Juice orchards and allows them to appreciate the scenic beauty of Bog Walk, St Catherine. The route’s unique terrain simultaneously provides an enjoyable family and corporate team-building atmosphere.