“My name is Dantie Smith-Brown, a Respiratory Therapist in New York who recently donated medical supplies and equipment to two hospitals in Jamaica. Over the last several years, I’ve been traveling to Jamaica at least twice per year. In my travels, I’ve had several conversations with friends and relatives that lives there. One of the concerns of many I’ve spoken with is the availability of supplies and medical equipments that we so much take for granted living here in the States. I wanted to do my part without having to deal with the many red tapes one runs into by working with or going through a big organization. Being in the medical field, I felt there were many resources that would be more than willing to donate or contribute to the cause of saving lives.
As such, I decided to reach out to many charity organizations, individuals and all that could give to a worthy cause. I have personally donated sheets, blankets, pulse oximeter, endoscopes and much more. In response to my monetary contributions, I have received donations of medication and medical supplies from such organization such as Project C.U.R.E., AmeriCares, Timmy Foundation and International Aid.org. Medical supplies include items such as, bandages, alcohol wipes, blood collection equipment, gloves, masks, assortment of dressings, syringes, IV catheters, tooth brushes and tooth paste, eye drops, cold and flu medicines, claritin, aspirin and a host of other supplies.
In respect to Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, these donations were sent in-care-of Mr. Everton Anderson and Professor Horace Fletcher, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University Hospital.
These equipments and supplies are just a portion of what is needed at these hospitals. As you know, these undertakings are costly. Currently, Kingston University Hospital is in desperate need of a Fetal monitor and Cornwall Regional is in need of a Ventilator Life Support system. There are two manufacturers that are willing to donate these equipments but because of the high cost, it requires a small fee. The fees are a fraction of what it would cost to purchase these machines. The fee for the Fetal Monitor is $950 and $1,500 for the Ventilator.
My goal is to continue to reach out to as many organizations as possible to assist in someday wiping out the shortages that befalls our hospitals in Jamaica. However, in order to make this a continued reality, I am reaching out to you to assist in offsetting some of the cost involved with shipping these medical donations. Once again, thank you for your help.”