ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — In the wake of widespread disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Black River Hospital has received a critical injection of support from the Digicel Foundation. A recent donation—consisting of over $1.3 million in infant and maternity supplies—arrived as the institution continues its recovery and prepares to resume full operations.
Among the donated items were 65 cases of diapers, 12 boxes of baby wipes, 15 boxes of sanitary pads, and 25 boxes of bleach—resources that hospital leadership says will go directly toward aiding struggling mothers and their newborns.
Diana Brown Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, acknowledged the significance of the gesture. “We’re still in the rebuilding phase, but the generosity from across the island has been humbling. Digicel Foundation’s contribution will immediately touch lives, especially for mothers who are facing financial strain post-disaster.”
The maternity and pediatric wards—both vital points of care—suffered major setbacks during the storm. Though not yet fully restored, the facility has remained active in serving vulnerable populations, many of whom lost homes or income in the aftermath.
Dr. Allison Isaacs, a pediatrician at the hospital, reinforced the importance of the donation, noting, “These supplies will ease pressure not just on patients, but also on staff who have been stretched thin since the storm hit. It brings a sense of normalcy and dignity back into our day-to-day work.”
From Digicel Foundation’s side, CEO Charmaine Daniels explained that the donation forms part of a wider initiative aimed at aiding hospitals and community centres across western Jamaica, with a pointed focus on women and children.
“Our efforts are about more than just items—they’re about recognizing the resilience of healthcare workers and standing with them as they serve under immense pressure,” Daniels stated. “We want them to know they’re not alone in this fight.”
While the road to full restoration remains ahead, the sentiment across the facility is clear: solidarity is showing up in meaningful ways. And for Black River Hospital, every box delivered is one less burden for a mother, a nurse, or a child caught in the storm’s wake.
