Overview

Hurricane Melissa has brought significant devastation to the western parishes of Jamaica, leaving thousands of families without stable housing, essential supplies, or access to consistent healthcare. Communities already facing chronic disparities are now experiencing even greater barriers to medications, wound care, and basic medical necessities.

To respond to this urgent need, Jamaican Lives Better has launched the “Making Lives Better After the Storm” initiative—an emergency medical and shelter relief effort designed to support vulnerable families and restore access to essential healthcare services.

Our Mission

Jamaican Lives Better exists to bridge the gap between underserved communities and the healthcare and education resources they deserve. Through this initiative, we aim to ensure that every individual can regain access to the medications and basic medical care necessary for stability and recovery AND have basic shelter for safety to have a home for the Holidays!

Local Contacts

Mobile Medical Aid Units

Shani Mortley, MD

Medical Director – Affirm Ambulance Services

Have a Home for Christmas - Shelter Relief

Ms. Chinue Thompson

Chief Executive Officer – Walk Good Crafts and Souvenirs LTD

Current Needs

We are expanding our relief efforts to also support individuals who have lost their homes and are currently without shelter, including those without basic materials such as zinc roofing. Monetary donations will help fund the purchase of building supplies to restore safe and stable living conditions.

We are seeking support to provide:

Shelter: building materials (including zinc roofing) and temporary or permanent shelter solutions for individuals who have lost their homes.
Prescription Medications: For chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, infections, and more.
OTC Medications: Pain relievers, antihistamines, cough/cold medications, GI care, and more.
First-Aid & Wound Care Supplies: Bandages, dressings, gloves, antiseptics, gauze, and kits.
Basic Medical Supplies: Blood pressure cuffs, glucometers/test strips, thermometers, masks.
Hygiene Essentials: Soap, sanitizer, oral care items, feminine care products.

All supplies will be transported and distributed safely through the abovementioned community partners.

Why This Matters

Entire families are now without shelter, with homes severely damaged or completely destroyed, leaving them exposed to the elements and unsafe living conditions.
Many residents lost all personal items, including necessary medications.
Interruptions in chronic disease therapy can lead to medical emergencies.
Rural communities struggle with limited clinic access under normal conditions—after the storm, these challenges have multiplied.
Supporting this initiative directly improves health outcomes and restores dignity, safety, and hope.

How You Can Help

Your support can make an immediate and life-changing impact. We are urgently requesting:

Monetary Donations: The most flexible and impactful way to help. Funds will be used to purchase building supplies—including zinc roofing—to provide temporary and permanent shelter solutions for families who have lost their homes in addition to purchase medications locally.
Donations of Prescription & OTC Medications to help restore continuity of care for individuals with chronic illnesses and acute needs.
Medical Supplies & First Aid Items to support wound care, infection prevention, and basic health needs.
In addition to monetary donations, we are accepting in-kind contributions through our Amazon Wish List. These items—OTC medications, wound-care supplies, basic medical essentials and medical supplies—help us bridge healthcare gaps for families impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Contact Information

Tania Barnett, PharmD
Founder & Visionary, Jamaican Lives Better, Inc.

Jamaicanlivesbetter.org
Email: tania@jamaicanlivesbetter.org
Phone: (917) 830-8123

Other Ways to Support

Amazon: Amazon Wish List

Together, we can help Jamaican families rebuild, recover, and live better after the storm.