On Monday, November 24, in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on communities across Jamaica, Montefiore Einstein, Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), 1199SEIU, and Afya Foundation came together to discuss their ongoing efforts to provide relief, including the delivery of medical supplies, essential goods, and direct assistance to the families most affected by the hurricane.

Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic damage, destroying Jamaica resulting in at least 45 fatalities. According to recent coverage, nearly 146,000 structures sustained major damage, impacting approximately 90,000 families and amounting to costs totaling as high as $7 billion.

Afya, a New York-based nonprofit, is quickly and efficiently distributing medical and humanitarian supplies donated by New York's hospitals and partners in Jamaica. Afya was built to provide coordinated and effective responses and relief wherever disasters occur in the world. In collaboration with Montefiore, GNYHA, 1199SEIU, Governor Hochul's office, partners on the ground, and others, Afya has prepared and deployed critical materials requested by those impacted, with additional shipments underway as needs evolve.

Hosted by Montefiore Einstein at its Moses Campus, the event brought leaders from across New York’s healthcare community who underscored deep ties between Jamaica and New York’s healthcare workforce, including many Montefiore Einstein staff and nurses with roots in the Jamaican community.

“So many of our nurses, physicians, and staff trace their roots to the Jamaican community, and their pain is our pain,” said Dr. Philip O. Ozuah, President and CEO of Montefiore Einstein. “As a health system grounded in service, Montefiore is proud to support the Afya Foundation’s relief work and help families in Jamaica heal, rebuild, and recover.”

“Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) is proud to connect Montefiore Einstein and other hospitals with the Afya Foundation to deliver desperately needed supplies to Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa,” said Kenneth E. Raske, President, GNYHA. “Afya has been GNYHA’s humanitarian logistics partner for many years, and this current effort is especially meaningful because of the large Jamaican community Montefiore serves and Montefiore’s significant Jamaican workforce. I am grateful to Montefiore, 1199SEIU, and Afya for supporting Jamaica during this difficult time.”

"As the largest union of frontline healthcare workers in New York and the nation, we are ready to respond when there is a public health crisis and communities need us. The people of Jamaica have had homes destroyed, lost sources of income, and they need medical care. 1199SEIU caregivers will be deploying to the island to provide the critical relief needed to help Jamaicans recover and build back stronger,” said Yvonne Armstrong, 1199SEIU President.

“Moments like Hurricane Melissa are exactly why Afya is here: to help when people need it most,” said Danielle Butin, Founder and CEO of Afya. “When communities are overwhelmed, coordinated partnerships make all the difference. We are grateful to work alongside our incredible partners to help deliver lifesaving supplies where they are needed most.”