Adopt-a-Clinic sponsor recognises staff with Valentine’s Day surprise

As frontline heroes, healthcare workers often sacrifice their own physical and mental well-being to take care of others.

On February 14, H&L recognised this dedication with a surprise treat for staff at two clinics the company sponsors in the Ministry of Health’s Adopt-a-Clinic programme.

Themed ‘H&L Loves You’, healthcare workers at the Duhaney Park, Waterford and Lincoln Health Centres were presented with $400,000 in H&L gift cards which are valid for use at H&L Rapid True Value and H&L Agro stores.

“Healthcare workers have dedicated their lives to taking care of Jamaicans,” said Gail Abrahams, chief marketing officer, H&L.

“We wanted to make sure that they felt our love and admiration for the selfless work they do.”

There are approximately 320 primary healthcare facilities across Jamaica, with many, like Duhaney Park Health Centre, seeing up to 3,000 patients each month. At these centres, healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, medical technicians and community health aides, offer treatment and advice for maternal, child health, curative care, mental health and dental care.

“I want to thank H&L for thinking of us; thank you for showing us how much you appreciate our work in the community. At a time like this, when the pandemic makes us feel a little down sometimes you thought to lift our spirits,” said Winnifred Sterling McKenzie, public health nurse, Duhaney Park Health Centre.

“We appreciate H&L joining with the Ministry of Health to make healthcare better for Jamaicans, and we are grateful that they have also embraced the workers of the clinics by recognising their daily sacrifice,” said Courtney Cephas, executive director of Philanthropic Mobilization at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which oversees the Adopt-a-Clinic programme.

Cephas said the programme was actively recruiting sponsors both locally and in the Diaspora to join the initiative to improve infrastructure and acquire medical equipment.

“I know that there are other companies and people who, like H&LH, believe that the strength of our country lies in our communities. I invite them to get in touch so we can work together to enhance the nation’s primary healthcare system that is the backbone of our health system and the first point of care for the citizens of our many communities.”

To become a partner to the programme contact Courtney Cephas, at 876-413-0614 or [email protected].