Eight months after Hurricane Melissa battered sections of western Jamaica, recovery efforts continue as healthcare professionals from Jamaica and the diaspora work together to restore essential health services in  affected communities.

As part of the Diaspora Day of Service, following the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, the Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN) Health & Wellness Taskforce led a one-day medical mission on June 18, bringing physicians, nurses and volunteers together to provide medical care and support to residents still feeling the effects of the devastating storm.

Dr Dahlia Blake, vice-chair of the JDTAN Health & Wellness Taskforce and project leader for the initiative, said the mission represented more than a day of volunteer service. It was an opportunity to help communities recover, restore access to healthcare, and demonstrate the enduring commitment of Jamaicans at home and abroad.