PORT MARIA, St Mary — Pleased that this year they did not have to pay customs duties on equipment used during their free clinics, president of Jamaica Nurses Association of Florida (JNAF) Dr Bevlin Allen and her team are happy with the work they did during four recent events.

“This is the first year that we did not have to pay any exorbitant fee to take in the items,” Dr Allen told the Jamaica Observer.

According to Dr Allen, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton reached out to them after a previous article in the
Observer outlined their concerns about the customs duties on items they were taking into Jamaica to give freely to the needy.

Through medical missions, the JNAF has been giving back to rural communities for more than 40 years.

This year’s clinics began at Webster Memorial Church in Kingston, where more than 450 persons were treated, followed by Rocky Point in Clarendon, Bethany in Manchester. Three Hills in St Mary, was the final stop for the health clinics, which were held from July 21 to 25.

More than 300 people were seen at each rural clinic. The medical mission benefited from the skills of 58 volunteers with expertise in cardiology, paediatrics, gastroenterology, internal medicine, and more. The team also included nurse practitioners and a physical therapist.

“The services offered were well-received by the parents and the children as we gave out backpacks and school supplies,” Dr Allen said.

She added that the association also made a US$200,000 donation to Lionel Town Hospital in the form of medical supplies, beds and stretchers. In addition, 10 families from Rocky Point were provided with food supplies.

JNAF has partnered with the Rachel Dixon Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of South Dade Florida for 16 and six years, respectively. Kiwanis Club Project Coordinator Walcott Allen told the Observer that the most recent four days have been just as rewarding as previous clinics.

“We have been partnering with the association for 16 years and it has always been fulfilling. Lots of work but it’s worth it,” he said.

JNAF board member Judith Jackson said the highlight for her came at Three Hills Medical Mission.

“There was this elderly man who said that he did not go back to a doctor or seek medical attention otherwise from the last time we were here. He was just waiting on us,” she said, clearly moved.

Meanwhile, first-timer Tasha Bryan said she decided to use the clinic because it was conveniently available in her Three Hills community and it was free. She expressed appreciation for the care given to her three-year-old.

“It was just a random check, and it was thoroughly done. I didn’t wait long and the doctors and everyone were professional and nice,” Bryan said.

Jamaica Nurses’ Association of Florida (JNAF) past president Joan Howard (right) sharing CPR awareness with Brittany Brown during JNAF’s recent medical mission at Three Hills, St Mary.

First-timer Tasha Bryan was pleased with services received at the medical mission in Three Hills, St Mary.