SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Jamaica – As communities across western Jamaica continue to recover from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, nearly 200 residents from some of the hardest-hit areas have benefited from community medical hubs held recently, designed to address both immediate health needs and ongoing recovery challenges.

The initiative, spearheaded by Project STAR in partnership with several health and community stakeholders, brought essential medical services and social support directly to residents in Salt Spring, St James and Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland.

According to a release from Project STAR, more than 50 residents accessed healthcare services at the Salt Spring medical hub, while over 140 residents were served at a similar intervention in Savanna-la-Mar, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to almost 200.

Saffrey Brown, director of Project STAR, said the medical hubs were established as part of broader recovery efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable residents still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The communities targeted were among those significantly affected by flooding and other storm-related disruptions.

“Residents at both locations received a comprehensive package of healthcare services, including medical consultations, blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, body mass index assessments, and health education. A team of healthcare professionals was deployed to provide care and referrals where necessary,” she said.

In Savanna-la-Mar, 136 residents were registered for services. Women accounted for the majority of participants, with 94 females and 42 males attending. The largest age group served was adults between 20 and 59 years old, while 25 senior citizens and 15 children aged 12 and under also benefited from the initiative.

Of those registered, 96 residents completed all four core health assessments, including body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose testing and consultations with medical doctors. More than 110 residents were seen by a physician during the event.

The hub also incorporated HIV and syphilis testing services, with 32 residents participating in voluntary screening. Community education sessions were conducted by representatives from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the National Council on Drug Abuse and the Restorative Justice Programme.

Felicia Kelly, chief financial officer and logistician for Integrative Clinics International (ICI), said the impact of the recent hurricane prompted the organisation to join the medical hub initiative in Westmoreland. Supported by a team of 18 healthcare professionals, ICI provided screenings for chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes while offering consultations and access to essential medications.

“We are here to share our resources with the community and ensure that residents can access the medications and care they need,” Kelly said.

Beyond healthcare services, residents received critical relief supplies through support from Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) Caribbean. The organisation provided care packages containing food items, hygiene products, bedding supplies,  particularly for elderly residents.

“From the outset, it has been a priority of GEM Caribbean’s hurricane response and recovery strategy to support the health sector and health-related initiatives, especially public health,” said Deika Morrison, executive director of GEM Caribbean. “We thank Project STAR for the opportunity to partner on this important initiative.”

Residents who benefited from the medical hubs welcomed the initiative, describing it as a much-needed source of support during the recovery period.

Krystal Taylor of New Market Oval in Savanna-la-Mar said she was grateful for the opportunity to receive medical care and free medication.

“To come here and get free medications was just joy and love,” Taylor said. “It means a lot, especially at a time when many people are still trying to get back on their feet.”

Brown noted that while recovery efforts continue across the western region, access to healthcare remains a critical need for many residents affected by the storm. The medical hubs were designed to reduce barriers to care while connecting community members with health professionals and support services.

The initiative forms part of a wider community recovery strategy that combines healthcare access, psychosocial support, public education and humanitarian assistance to help residents rebuild and recover in the months following the disaster.