SERVICES
OUTREACH
​EMERGENCY 2019 MESSAGE:
October 24th, 2019 – The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice for Jamaica was recently updated regarding ‘high levels of crime and violence, particularly in the capital Kingston.’
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Despite 7 of 19 Jamaican police divisions being under an SOE, murders and shootings are said to be higher this year than for the corresponding period in 2018, reported Stabroek News on October 19, 2019.
The Jamaican Government has also put in place a number of Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs), which are currently active in Denham Town in Kingston and Mount Salem in Montego Bay.
Furthermore, the Government says it is planning to extend its ZOSOs in western Jamaica as soon as possible.
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From a health perspective, UK health authorities have classified Jamaica as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. This means pregnant women should consider avoiding travel to this country until after the pregnancy.
On September 13, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new recommendations for Americans planning to visit Jamaica. The CDC says travelers should ensure they are up-to-date on Routine Vaccinations, which include the MMR vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella vaccine, polio vaccine, and yearly flu shot.
Previously, Jamaica was included in a CDC Dengue Fever Virus outbreak alert.
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SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
1
GIVING BACK AND SUPPORTING
Help a neighbor, a friend, a family member and a stranger. When you donate all proceeds go to families in need.
2
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
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Jamaica needs more community centres for young children to visit, play games, activities, extra lessons, homework tutor and guidance.
RESOURCES:
Poverty and poor living
Medical and legal systems
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Unemployed Jamaicans lie on the pathways begging for food, shacks are packed against each other in slums where there is an inadequate access to clean water, and residents are fighting the problems of crime and having no quality healthcare and education every day.
Legal System:
http://moj.gov.jm/legal-aid-clinic
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Medical System:
http://jamaicans.com/health-care-in-Jamaica/
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http://www.commonwealthhealth.org/americas/Jamaica/
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Mental health counseling
Crisis intervention
It is reported that 108,000 Jamaicans (4% of the population) were treated by mental health professionals for mental illnesses across the island in 2015. The most prevalent mental disorders in Jamaica are schizophrenia and depression. Depression in Jamaica aligns with global trends where 25.6% of females and 14.8% males suffer from depression.
The Ministry of Justice’s Victim Support Unit (VSU) has been providing counselling and other services to victims of crime for many years.
Established in 1998, the VSU has been charged with the mandate to identify the victim’s needs, advocate for their rights, and to provide support through the implementation of therapeutic/psychological programmes.
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3
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Our goal is to have more community members as Leaders and offer Free Training in the community on health, finances, work force and education.
Information, education and referral
Primary education schools are either private or state-owned. Children attend primary school beginning at age 6 and ending at age 12.
Once a student is finished with secondary school, they must pay for their own education. Vocational schools in the area can be either state-funded or private
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https://www.aimeduservices.com/
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Safety planning
Walk with a group at night.
If alone have a cell phone, a flashlight and bring a whistle.
Communities set up a distress signal and help each other in need.