BLUEFIELDS, JAMAICA, September 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — International Medical Relief (IMR) joined reggae icon Judy Mowatt, Judy Mowatt Outreach Ministries, and the Sean Paul Foundation for the Bluefields Rising Health & Recovery Fair, a community-centered initiative bringing healthcare, essential resources and recovery support to families in Jamaica’s Westmoreland communities.
Held August 22–23, the two-day initiative combined medical care with broader community recovery efforts designed to help families continue rebuilding following the devastating effects of the hurricane.
For International Medical Relief, the response centered on bringing comprehensive healthcare directly to the community. A 27-member IMR volunteer team provided care to an estimated 928 patients in just two days, delivering medical, dental, diagnostic, vision and community health services.
“This was about much more than a two-day clinic,” said Shauna King, President and Founder of International Medical Relief. “Bluefields Rising represents what is possible when healthcare, community leadership and recovery come together. Judy Mowatt and Sean Paul have used their voices and their commitment to Jamaica to stand beside these communities, and it was an honor for International Medical Relief to stand alongside them. Our goal was not simply to treat patients, but to help families move forward with health, dignity and hope.”
Nearly 1,000 Patients Reached in Two Days
IMR’s multidisciplinary team treated 437 patients on August 22 and 491 patients on August 23, for a total of 928 patient encounters. The response extended beyond the clinic itself, with providers conducting nine home visits for chronic, bedbound and mobility-limited patients who otherwise could not access care.
Among the services delivered were primary and acute medical care, dental care, diagnostic testing, maternal-fetal ultrasound, pediatric and back-to-school physicals, vision services, women’s health services and community health education.
Hypertension and cardiovascular conditions represented the largest clinical category identified during the mission, followed by pediatric well-child and school physicals and musculoskeletal conditions. Diabetes, dermatologic conditions, women’s health concerns and other chronic and acute conditions were also treated.
Dental, Vision and Diagnostic Care
Dental teams treated 264 patients, providing examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments, extractions and oral-health education. Approximately 106 patients received extractions, while all 264 dental patients received fluoride treatments.
Diagnostic and specialty services included 211 glucose tests, 84 urinalyses, nine pregnancy tests, 11 maternal-fetal ultrasounds, 24 back-to-school physicals and two EKGs.
Vision care was another significant component of the response. IMR distributed 294 pairs of reading glasses, 419 pairs of sunglasses, 29 pairs of prescription glasses and 125 eyeglass cases. An additional 250 pairs of reading glasses were donated to local organizations to continue serving community members after the mission ended. IMR volunteers worked alongside four members of the Jamaican Lions to strengthen local capacity for ongoing vision support.
Healthcare That Continues Beyond the Clinic
Education was integrated throughout the mission so that patients left with more than treatment. All 928 patients received structured health education covering topics including cardiovascular health, diabetes management, nutrition and hydration, oral health, vision care, women’s health, pediatric wellness, mental wellness and disease prevention. The program represented at least 1,856 patient-education encounters over the two-day response.
The mission also carried approximately $84,921 in medications, dental supplies, medical equipment, eyewear, hygiene items, mobility aids and other supplies into the response.
$1.58 Million in Estimated Healthcare and Humanitarian Value
Using U.S. hospital-equivalent replacement values for comparable healthcare services, IMR estimates that the medical, dental, diagnostic and vision care delivered during the Bluefields response represented approximately $1.39 million in healthcare value.
When combined with approximately 1,000 volunteer service hours, community health education and the medications, medical supplies and equipment deployed during the mission, the total estimated U.S. replacement value of IMR’s contribution reached approximately $1.584 million.
Yet the impact of Bluefields Rising cannot be measured only in numbers. It was found in a child receiving a back-to-school physical. In a patient seeing clearly through a new pair of glasses. In a mother receiving an ultrasound. In a homebound elder receiving medical care without having to leave home. And in families knowing that, as recovery continues, they have not been forgotten.
“As impressive as these numbers are, the numbers don’t tell the whole story,” said Karla Prentiss, Chief Operating Officer of International Medical Relief. “This outreach was about people. It was about showing up for Bluefields and reminding people that they are seen, valued, and worthy of compassionate, high-quality care. This is what partnership looks like. This is what community looks like. This is what impact looks like.”
“Disaster recovery does not end when the storm passes,” King said. “For many families, that is when the longest part of recovery begins. Sustainable recovery means helping people regain access to healthcare, resources and the support systems that allow communities to become stronger. That is the spirit behind Bluefields Rising.”
A Message of Gratitude from Jamaica
“On behalf of the people of Jamaica, Ministry of Health and Wellness, the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation and the Honorable Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, our thanks and appreciation to the International Medical Relief Team and Partners for continued support to Jamaica,” said Courtney Cephas, Jamaica Ministry of Health and Wellness.
About International Medical Relief
International Medical Relief (IMR) is a U.S.-based nonprofit humanitarian organization providing medical, dental and community health services to underserved and vulnerable populations around the world. IMR mobilizes multidisciplinary volunteer teams to work alongside local partners, healthcare professionals and community leaders to expand access to care and strengthen sustainable community health.
Shauna King
International Medical Relief
+1 970-635-0110
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