Melissa, a blessing?

Adventists partner to deliver psychosocial and health services in northeastern St Elizabeth

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Andrews Memorial Hospital Limited, Allkare Wellness Foundation, and the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church staged its Hurricane Recovery Health Clinic on December 7 across the communities of Balaclava, Thornton, and Siloah in northeastern St Elizabeth. The outreach went beyond medical, optical, and dental care, providing residents with something many had never had access to before: psychosocial care.

A three-member mental-health team from the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church, including a clinical psychologist, a psychiatrist, and a medical social worker, spent the day in Thornton listening, counselling and offering hope to survivors.

“There are some people who we saw today who, for the very first time, were speaking to a counsellor,” explained clinical psychologist Dr Karyl Powell-Booth. “Many of them have been carrying emotional and psychological baggage for years. It is significant for us that we were able to make a positive difference in their lives. This is just a drop in the ocean, and we intend to have continuous follow-up.”

Donmayne Gyles, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Andrews Memorial Hospital Ltd, highlighted the importance of being present for people not only in body but also in mind and spirit.

“We are humbled and grateful that Andrews Memorial Hospital can be a vehicle through which God brings healing to these communities,” he said. “It is not only about treating physical illness. We are especially thankful that we could help provide psychosocial care for persons who need hope and mental strength to continue life after the storm.”

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Professional intervention

Powell-Booth, founder and CEO of Making Headways, said one woman had delayed seeking help for almost a decade even after her pastor acknowledged that her situation required professional intervention. When she heard that the team was in the community, she referred herself and finally received the counselling she had long needed.

“I told the psychologist that I felt overwhelmed,” Pearl* shared after her session. “I have always seen myself as a strong person, but recently, I just felt like I could not take any more. Then Melissa’s hard hit just made everything heavier. I realised they had this counselling service here today, so I came. I went in very late and was her last client. I must say, I am feeling a bit lighter, and I was given more assistance in moving forward.”

Lecturer at The University of the West Indies and medical social worker Maureen Little said the day was a powerful reminder of both the scale of need and residents’ openness to share.

“We were really blown away by the challenges that these persons encountered and how receptive they are to the care that we have to give,” she said. “People see Melissa as a horrible thing. We see Melissa as a blessing in many ways because the people we met today, and the way we were able to make a difference, would not have happened if we were not here.”

In addition to psychological care, approximately 365 residents across the three locations received a wide range of free services. The outreach offered medical, dental screening, tooth extractions and cleaning, optical screening, pharmaceutical services, and vaccinations, along with care packages and other support. These services were provided through collaboration and additional support from the National Health Fund, Giving Ja, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and Comcare Optical. Also, sponsors included Nutri Delight, Canopy, Cal’s Manufacturing, Med Impex, and the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Dr Derria Cornwall, consultant radiologist at the University Hospital of the West Indies and Precision Imaging Centre, described how the team used the opportunity to update tetanus vaccination coverage among adults who were not current with their vaccines.

“We gave DPT and DT vaccines to those who are not up to date with their immunisation for tetanus,” she explained. “We had over 20 people today. The people were so grateful. They realised that we were unreservedly compassionate, understanding, and empathetic about their situation. We were not derogatory, in any way humiliating, or taking away their dignity. That is what I liked about our outreach, serving while keeping dignity and remembering that we are all equal children of God.”

For residents like Dorrett Burton, the health fair was a lifeline amid personal and structural loss, having survived two strokes and serious illness as well as damage to parts of her home and shop.

Burton disclosed; “I do not worry about it because I know God will provide for me to get it back. Additionally, I must say that this health fair means a lot to me. The doctor saw me, talked to me as nicely as ever, and I am going to do some other heart tests and now get my medication by the NHF bus.”

Zuleika Jess, member of parliament for St Elizabeth Northeast, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the constituency, praising the organisers for their willingness to expand the outreach at short notice.

“You have all collaborated with various stakeholders to bring such joy and relief for a disaster-ridden parish and constituency,” she said, addressing Leroy Dallas, CEO of Allkare Wellness Foundation and Gyles.

“When we asked at the very last minute for you to add a location, you did not hesitate. The residents have been speaking about it and continue to express thanks and gratitude.”

For Dallas, the mission required sacrifice, but the purpose made it worthwhile.

“It is not inexpensive to bring a large team from Kingston to St Elizabeth,” he noted. “We came with doctors, nurses, dentists, eye specialists, pharmacy services, and other volunteers. All our services are free of charge, and we are happy to be here and committed to the mission. God has been good to us, and it is a blessing to serve here. Thankfully, through the support of our partners and sponsors, we have been able to make this possible. We are looking forward to future services as the Lord leads.”

* Person’s name changed for confidentiality.