The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) will be leading post-Hurricane Melissa impact missions across the island.

The Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland is the first target.

The mission’s Mental Health component, led by Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Winston De La Haye, forms part of a collaboration between UHWI and the Mental Health and Lifestyle Department (MHLD) of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

The partnership supports the JDF’s ongoing Psychological First Aid and Mental Health Relief missions across the island, extending the reach of services to communities impacted by the hurricane.

JDF teams will provide communication support and military security while UHWI adds additional clinical and mental health personnel to the effort.

Consultant Psychiatrist at the UHWI Dr. Winston De La Haye says the initiative is expected to continue for six months to a year.