News Release

Strengthening Healthcare Through Compassion: Highlights from the Mandeville Hospital Closing Ceremony

Church donation empowers Mandeville Hospital with advanced medical tools, improving care and strengthening community partnerships.

Jamaica donatio
Jamaica donatio
Representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Food For The Poor Jamaica, and Mandeville Regional Hospital gather to celebrate the donation of life-saving medical equipment.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Mandeville, Jamaica — September 5, 2025. In a heartfelt ceremony held at the Mandeville Regional Hospital, healthcare professionals, Church leaders, and community partners gathered to celebrate a significant milestone in compassionate service and medical advancement. The closing event marked the successful donation of critical medical equipment, made possible by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with logistical support from Food For The Poor Jamaica.

The donation included a Gastrointestinal Endoscopy System and a Urology Endoscopic Tower, both of which are expected to transform patient care at the hospital. These advanced tools will enable faster diagnoses, less invasive procedures, and improved outcomes across multiple departments, including surgery and internal medicine.

The ceremony featured remarks from several distinguished speakers who emphasized the spiritual and humanitarian impact of the initiative. Elder and Sister Sutherland, representing the Church’s humanitarian department, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to supporting healthcare, education, and clean water projects throughout Jamaica. “We are here to serve, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of this community,” Elder Sutherland shared.

President Courtney Morrison, First Counsellor in the Mandeville District Presidency, offered a scripture from the Book of Mormon, reminding attendees that true service is given freely and blesses both giver and receiver. His message underscored the spiritual foundation of the Church’s humanitarian efforts.

Mr. Leroy Blake, Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager for Jamaica, delivered a stirring reflection: “What we place in your hands today is not just equipment—it is an opportunity to strengthen lives.”

Mrs. Jean Lowrie-Chin, Board Director of Food For The Poor, highlighted the clinical impact and long-term sustainability of the donation, noting how partnerships like these are essential to improving healthcare infrastructure.

Jamaica donations
Jamaica donations
Newly donated endoscopic equipment at Mandeville Regional Hospital, provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will enhance diagnostic and surgical capabilities for patients across Jamaica.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Medical professionals also expressed their gratitude. Dr. Devon Mitchell, Urology Consultant, emphasized the importance of the endoscopic tower in enhancing surgical outcomes and training future specialists. Dr. Andrew Josephs, Surgical Consultant, spoke about the GI system’s role in early detection of colon and stomach cancers, which could save countless lives.

Closing the ceremony, Dr. Everton McIntosh, Senior Medical Officer, offered a vote of thanks and praised the spirit of collaboration that made the donation possible. “We are committed to being responsible stewards of these resources,” he said, “and we are deeply grateful for the compassion and unity that brought this gift to our hospital.”

This event stands as a testament to the power of faith-driven service and the impact of global partnerships in strengthening communities.

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