Emergency Field Hospital Established by Samaritan's Purse in Jamaica for Hurricane Melissa Victims

Samaritan's Purse Opens Emergency Field Hospital in Black River, Jamaica

In response to the overwhelming devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the international relief organization Samaritan's Purse has swiftly established an Emergency Field Hospital in Black River, Jamaica. This makeshift hospital serves as a crucial medical facility to assist families affected by the hurricane, especially after the local hospital was rendered inoperable by the storm's fury.

The newly constructed field hospital boasts more than 30 beds and is equipped with various essential medical facilities including an operating room, an intensive care unit, an emergency room, and an obstetric ward dedicated to maternal and neonatal care. Furthermore, it includes a laboratory, pharmacy, and a blood bank, ensuring comprehensive medical care for the community. The unit was airlifted to Jamaica last Sunday aboard Samaritan's Purse's 767 cargo aircraft, fulfilling a request from Jamaica's Ministry of Health.

Franklin Graham, the president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse, emphasized the organization's commitment to serving those affected, stating, "This powerful storm damaged or destroyed every structure in Black River—including the hospital—and our team has been working round the clock to get an Emergency Field Hospital airlifted, transported to the site, and now open and treating patients." For many in Jamaica, the hurricane's aftermath has led to the loss of homes, livelihoods, and in some cases, loved ones. The pressing need for medical care remains critical, and Samaritan's Purse aims to offer assistance as a testament of their faith and compassion.

The field hospital operates with a self-sustaining model, fully equipped to address the unique challenges posed by disaster zones. It is staffed by an expert team, including doctors, nurses, and members of the Samaritan's Purse Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), all dedicated to providing immediate care to those in need. In addition to operating the hospital, mobile medical teams have been dispatched to conduct clinics in surrounding communities within days of the storm's landfall, broadening their reach in supporting the local population.

In the past week, Samaritan's Purse has airlifted nearly 100 tons of emergency supplies to Jamaica, which includes thousands of shelter tarps, over 4,600 household water filters, almost 4,000 solar lights, and more than 800 hygiene kits. Additionally, they have sent four community water filtration systems, each designed to deliver safe drinking water to up to 10,000 people daily. These systems are currently being installed in areas that have sustained critical damage from the hurricane.

Graham further articulated the organization's long-term commitment to recovery, saying, "These people will need our help for some time. We're continuing to deliver clean water, shelter materials, and other relief supplies to help families recover. As this falls out of the news, we want them to know they are not forgotten. Pray for the people of Jamaica and for our teams as we also share the hope of the Gospel."

The efforts of Samaritan's Purse in Jamaica represent a powerful example of humanitarian response in the wake of a natural disaster. The establishment of the Emergency Field Hospital and the myriad of support initiatives are testaments to the organization's mission to provide both physical and spiritual care to those in crisis. As the needs of the community evolve in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Samaritan's Purse remains dedicated to ensuring that the affected families receive the help they need and to reminding them they are not alone in their struggle for recovery.

For further information and media inquiries, Samaritan's Purse is open to interviews with medical staff and team members serving in Black River, Jamaica, and offers high-quality photos and broadcast-quality videos for public access.

More updates can be followed through their official website and social media platforms, as the organization continues its efforts to assist disaster-stricken communities globally.