Having served from the bustling heart of downtown Kingston for over six decades, the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic (LJC) will underline its commitment to the community on Friday, May 30, with the hosting of a Community Educational Forum.

Since its establishment in 1962, this community clinic has quietly stood as a pillar of care and hope, opening its doors to everyone, from young professionals navigating their health journey to families seeking affordable, quality care. For many in downtown Kingston, where access to affordable health care is often out of reach, LJC has been more than a clinic. It’s been a lifeline.

As such, the event to be hosted by LJC will feature free health screenings, wellness talks, and information on the clinic’s services.

“It’s not just about health care; it’s about bringing the community together and fostering trust,” the management of the clinic stated.

The clinic is also reaching out to local businesses and organisations to partner in creating a stronger health network for downtown Kingston. By collaborating with community leaders, LJC hopes to expand its impact and continue serving those who need it most.

A history of care and confidentiality

From its humble beginnings, LJC has been driven by a simple yet powerful mission: To provide affordable health care without compromising quality or dignity. Over the years, it has grown into a trusted name, offering several services, including family planning, antenatal care, cervical cancer screenings, and STI testing.

One thing that sets LJC apart is its unwavering commitment to privacy and confidentiality. Whether you’re a young adult seeking advice or a working mother juggling several responsibilities, the clinic ensures that every interaction is handled with the utmost discretion.

CEO of Jamaica Family Planning Association Dr Pauline Russell-Brown reports, “Women represented more than 90 per cent of users of services provided at LJC in 2024. These women are hard-working people who come in for obstetric and gynaecological, family planning and STI services. They are also diligent in bringing their babies and children to the clinic for immunisation and health checks.”

Five per cent of the clients served last year, in 2024, at LJC were adolescents. The CEO is urging mothers to encourage their teenagers to visit the clinic for education, counselling and preventive health services. They are guaranteed to receive confidential care in a very private setting. 

Building a legacy of service

Over the years, LJC has become a cornerstone of the downtown community for the services it provides as well as the relationships it has built. From outreach programmes that bring care to rural areas, to the youth arm (Youth Advocacy Movement —YAM) that engages young people in health advocacy, to serving as a placement site for nursing students completing their practicum, the clinic has always prioritised meeting people where they are.

For over 60 years, the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic has been more than a health care facility—it’s been a cornerstone of resilience and kindness in downtown Kingston. It has become a place of health restoration, and where everyone, no matter their background, is treated with dignity.

In a community that often struggles to access quality health care, LJC remains committed to providing affordable health care and to treating all its patients with compassionate care. It’s a legacy that continues to grow, one client/patient at a time.