#Jamaica #Samaritan's Purse #Hurricane Melissa #Franklin Graham #Black River

Emergency Hospital Deployment in Jamaica

Samaritan's Purse is set to escalate its relief efforts in Jamaica after the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which has been classified as the most powerful storm in the nation's recorded history. On November 2, 2025, the organization will conduct its third airlift to the island, dispatching a fully-equipped Emergency Field Hospital to provide vital medical care to those affected by the hurricane's devastation.

Relief Efforts Intensify

In the aftermath of the hurricane, Jamaica's Ministry of Health urgently requested the establishment of an emergency medical facility in Black River, where the storm made landfall and severely damaged infrastructure, including local hospitals. The facility, transported via a 767 cargo plane, will offer immediate and critical healthcare services to a population in dire need.

Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan's Purse, has emphasized the organization's commitment to assist the people of Jamaica. He stated, "We are bringing in doctors, nurses, and the entire team it takes to get this hospital up and running—along with all the equipment and supplies we need. Our aim is to share God's love and support with the communities affected."

Features of the Emergency Hospital

The Emergency Field Hospital will include:

• - More than 30 inpatient beds
• - An operating room for surgical procedures
• - An Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• - An Emergency Room (ER)
• - An Obstetric (OB) ward for mothers and newborns
• - Laboratory, pharmacy, and blood bank facilities

As soon as the hospital arrives in Jamaica, the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) will begin its rapid setup. This facility is designed to function independently, providing life-saving care to disaster-impacted communities.

Continued Support and Supplies

To date, Samaritan's Purse has airlifted a staggering 39 tons of emergency relief supplies to Jamaica, with more flights planned as the situation evolves. Among the distributed materials are over 1,300 shelter tarps, water filters, solar lights, and basic necessities aimed at supporting those displaced by the hurricane. Additionally, four community water filtration systems have been deployed, designed to purify water for up to 10,000 individuals daily, ensuring access to safe drinking water.

The organization is also initiating mobile medical clinics to reach those in remote areas. Furthermore, there are plans to establish helicopter medical evacuation routes for individuals in need of advanced care, exemplifying the commitment to ensuring that no one is left without assistance.

A Message of Hope

Graham continues to urge the public to keep the people of Jamaica in their thoughts and prayers, stating that their efforts are rooted in humanitarian spirit and faith, further adding, "We will continue distributing emergency supplies like water filters and shelter material. Please support us in whatever capacity you can."

Samaritan's Purse, headquartered in Boone, North Carolina, operates in over 100 countries, responding to crises involving war, disaster, and poverty. Their mission emphasizes humanitarian aid, driven by a desire to meet both physical and spiritual needs in the wake of disaster, showcasing a blend of compassion and service.

For more details and to provide support, visit Samaritan's Purse website.