Brunswick, GA, October 31, 2025 – MAP, a nonprofit global health organization based in Brunswick, Georgia, is mobilizing to send disaster relief to Jamaica and other hard-hit areas in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

The government has declared Jamaica a disaster area, as widespread flooding and power outages cripple hospitals and essential services, increasing the risk of secondary health crises.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness reports that 80-90% of roofs were destroyed overnight. Thousands of people have been forced into emergency shelters after losing their homes. Several hospitals were heavily damaged, including one where the roof was ripped away, forcing the evacuation of patients as floodwaters rose.

MAP immediately activated its emergency response, shipping 20,000 Disaster Health Kits to their partner, Food for the Poor, the largest NGO in Jamaica. Food for the Poor will distribute the aid as soon as conditions allow, and has requested additional Disaster Health Kits from MAP as they continue to monitor the situation.

“Our prayers are with the people of Jamaica and others in the Caribbean as they recover from this devastating storm,” says Chris Palombo, President and CEO of MAP. “As an organization, we stand ready to send additional aid as the full scope of the devastation continues to evolve.”

Each Disaster Health Kit is filled with first aid essentials and hygiene items to sustain families who have lost access to even the most basic resources – like clean water, shelter, power, and critical medicines.

MAP is also sending 100 Emergency Response Packs to Food for the Poor for distribution that will serve approximately 25,000 survivors. These Emergency Response Packs contain essential medicines frequently needed in times of crisis, including treatments for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, as well as antibiotics and other critical supplies.

To learn more about MAP or to contribute to disaster response efforts in Jamaica, visit map.org. The organization is seeking to raise $100,000 to support initial response, with additional phases anticipated as more details arise.

About MAP International

MAP International is a leading global non-profit humanitarian organization whose goal is to provide medicine for all people. With a strong legacy of humanitarian service spanning over 70 years, MAP International continues to evolve and innovate in its mission to make the world a better place for everyone across the globe. Visit MAP.org for more.

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