An emergency field hospital operated by Samaritan's Purse is serving as a primary medical center in western Jamaica following the severe damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa on local facilities, including Black River Hospital. Lead Nurse Cheryl Kaufman reported that the mobile unit has treated over 450 patients, performing major and minor surgeries for conditions like infected wounds and fractures.
The fully staffed hospital operates continuously and is expected to remain for 30 to 90 days. Upon its departure, the facility and all its supplies will be donated to Jamaica's Ministry of Health. The organization is collaborating with approximately 250 local church partners and is already training staff from Black River Hospital to manage operations eventually.
Beyond medical care, the group is distributing critical relief supplies such as tarps, water filters, and solar lights to families who lost their homes. Kaufman emphasized that reaching isolated communities has required the use of air transportation due to the damage and inaccessibility of roads. She also requested public support and prayers for the ongoing recovery efforts.
The fully staffed hospital operates continuously and is expected to remain for 30 to 90 days. Upon its departure, the facility and all its supplies will be donated to Jamaica's Ministry of Health. The organization is collaborating with approximately 250 local church partners and is already training staff from Black River Hospital to manage operations eventually.
Beyond medical care, the group is distributing critical relief supplies such as tarps, water filters, and solar lights to families who lost their homes. Kaufman emphasized that reaching isolated communities has required the use of air transportation due to the damage and inaccessibility of roads. She also requested public support and prayers for the ongoing recovery efforts.
