Black River Hospital has received a major boost to its maternity and paediatric services following a large-scale donation from the Digicel Foundation, aimed at easing post-hurricane strain on mothers, infants, and frontline medical staff.
The contribution — valued at more than $1.3 million — includes bulk supplies of diapers, baby wipes, sanitary products, and disinfectants, delivered directly to the hospital earlier this week. The items are expected to be distributed to vulnerable mothers and wards as the institution continues its phased recovery after Hurricane Melissa.
Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Diana Brown Miller, described the support as both strategic and deeply needed.
Although the facility is still operating below full capacity, she said the supplies will immediately benefit mothers facing financial hardship in the aftermath of the storm. She also acknowledged the wave of national and diaspora support that has followed the disaster.
According to Brown Miller, the hospital’s recovery effort is focused not only on restoration, but on strengthening resilience.
“We are rebuilding with intention,” she noted. “Our objective is to return stronger, better equipped, and more prepared for future shocks.”
Paediatrician Dr Allison Isaacs emphasized the operational impact of the donation, explaining that the supplies will reduce pressure on families and healthcare workers who have absorbed heavy personal and professional losses since the hurricane.
She said the gesture offers both material relief and morale support at a moment when staff and patients alike remain in recovery mode.
From the Foundation’s side, Chief Executive Officer Charmaine Daniels said the donation forms part of a broader humanitarian programme targeting hospitals and vulnerable populations across western Jamaica.
The focus, she explained, is on protecting infants, new mothers, and healthcare teams who continue to operate under strained conditions.
Daniels also commended the hospital’s medical staff for maintaining service continuity despite infrastructure damage and personal displacement.
As Black River Hospital continues its recovery, the donation stands as a reminder of how coordinated private-sector support can stabilize essential services when disaster disrupts the system.
