Reference Link: ReliefWeb – Hurricane Melissa (Jamaica)
2025-11-19 – MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA: Hurricane Melissa made landfall October 28th in southwestern Jamaica (near the parish of St. Elizabeth), crossing the country from southwest to northeast as a Category 5 storm, with sustained winds reported up to ~185 mph. The country now faces the daunting challenge of recovering from this devastating storm.
Key infrastructure has been compromised: the hospital in Black River sustained 100% destruction and will need to be rebuilt, Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay sustain significant damage, and is running at a fraction of its usual capacity. Roads, power and utilities have all been impacted.
CMAT DEPLOYMENT STATUS
In the initial aftermath of the storm, CMAT Team Alpha worked in direct collaboration with Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue and K9 team to provide support and ascertain the needs in the affected area. The Pan American Health Organization in direct collaboration with the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) mobilized the EMT Coordination Cell, to coordinate incoming Emergency Medical Teams.
CMAT’s professional licensing and credential details have been submitted and reviewed as per PAHO and MoHW requirements, and CMAT Team Bravo arrived on the ground in Montego Bay late yesterday to set up our clinic. This morning, we proudly opened our doors (tent flaps?) for patients.
While the immediate physical injuries caused by a storm like this are generally not major, the weeks after a hurricane can bring major concerns around communicable diseases like cholera and dengue fever and chronic disease management. With destroyed homes and infrastructure, people who living in crowded shelters are exposed to infections; if they opt to remain outside the shelter, then the elements like rain and sun can affect them. People with chronic illnesses may have lost their medication and assistive devices in the storm. And of course, babies needing to be born will wait for no one.
CMAT has now been officially tasked by PAHO and MoHW to provide urgent primary care support adjacent to the overcrowded emergency room at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay. Once established, we will also be sending out sentinel teams to provide mobile medical support to rural and remote communities around Montego Bay. Our amazing teams both at home and on in the country have been working tirelessly to make this deployment impactful!
CALL FOR ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS:
CMAT is still in process of selecting additional clinical and non-clinical (admin) volunteers for our next 2 week rotation in early December.
If you are interested in deploying to Jamaica, please complete all the required areas of your volunteer profile:
- current resumé/ CV
- current photo page of your passport
- copy of current professional license/ certification/ proof of payment to professional regulator
- copy of proof of vaccinations, including COVID-19.
- passport-style profile photo on a neutral background
- fill out the Expression of Interest form
Priority for deployment will be given to CMAT volunteers who have completed their online profile, uploaded completed e-learning certificates, and meet the readiness criteria.
To ensure CMAT maintain the highest standards of care and safety all volunteers are reminded that completion of the CMAT e-Curriculum is required prior to being considered for deployment. This essential online training package aligns with PAHO/WHO Emergency Medical Team (EMT) standards and supports CMAT’s operational readiness.
APPEAL FOR ONGOING FINANCIAL SUPPORT
It takes a village to make a difference, and CMAT could not have done this without the help and support of our family and friends, including:
- Air Canada
- Airlink
- American Airlines
- Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue
- Butterfly Network (POC Ultrasound)
- De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre – Hamilton, ON
- Flair Airlines
- Health Partners International Canada
- Marchese Health Care Hamilton, ON
- Renfrew County Paramedics Renfrew, ON
- Siemens Healthineers (EPOC POC testing device and supplies)
- West Coast Kitchen (Ready to Eat Meals)
- World Central Kitchen
CMAT is working hard in Montego Bay, and more volunteers are needed to deliver urgent medical care in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. Our clinicians are supporting overwhelmed health facilities and providing essential primary care services to communities hardest hit by the storm.
As needs grow daily, so does the demand for medication, medical supplies, logistics, and sustained team support. We rely on generous donors like you to help us continue this life-saving work.
Your generosity in helping CMAT is greatly appreciated. Tax-deductible donations can be made by Interac e-transfer or PayPal to: [email protected] (For a tax receipt, please enter your name and address in the transfer memo) or click the button below to donate directly online on our CanadaHelps page:
