Who We Are
The USF Health recovery response teams are led by Drs. Asa Oxner, Karla Maldonado and Lynette Menezes alongside our trusted community partner and teaching hospital, Tampa General Hospital (TGH). In response to Hurricane Melissa’s recent devastation of Jamaica’s western and southwestern coast, our team is working with TGH, the University of West Indies (UWI), and their hospital, the University Hospital of West Indies (UHWI), in Jamaica to assist with immediate and long-term recovery efforts.
The Impact
Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic flooding, landslides and widespread destruction across Jamaica, leaving many communities without electricity, clean water and access to medical care. UHWI is now receiving an elevated number of patient transfers from these compromised hospitals, as well as a rapid uptick in emergency admissions from the affected regions, which begin days to weeks after a hurricane.
USF faculty, staff and students are mobilizing to help stabilize the health-care system, deliver urgent supplies and support local hospitals and providers as they care for those in crisis.
What Your Generosity Will Do
Your contribution will help USF Health purchase, transport and deliver essential medical and hygiene supplies. Funds will also support the travel of trained USF faculty, staff and medical resident volunteers to assist in recovery efforts.
USF Health, in partnership with TGH, has a long history of providing humanitarian aid following disasters, including Hurricane Maria (2017) and Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico (2022) as well as Hurricane Ian in Florida (2022). These experiences have strengthened our ability to respond swiftly and effectively when disaster strikes.
With your support, we will continue to work closely with affected communities in Jamaica, ensuring lifesaving supplies, compassionate care and long-term recovery resources reach those who need them most.
An anonymous donor has pledged to match every dollar up to $10,000 to double our impact.
Spread the Word
We are counting on your help! Make an even bigger impact by sharing your support of this campaign using the social media tools at the top of the page.
Need help with your post? Try this message:
Join me in supporting our neighbors in Jamaica who were affected by Hurricane Melissa at usf.to/relief. Together with USF Health, we can help deliver care and hope when it’s needed most. Thank you for making a difference and Go Bulls!
Latest Updates
Choose a giving level
$20
Beacon of Hope
Your gift can help purchase bandages and other basic first-aid supplies.
$35
Community Advocate
Your gift can help purchase wound care supplies such as antiseptic solutions, alcohol prep pads, hydrogen peroxide and sterile gloves.
$60
Community Partner
Your gift can help provide chronic care supplies such as glucometers, glucose strips, pulse oximeters and portable blood pressure monitors.
$100
Community Lifesaver
Your gift can help fund prescription medications to fight infections, allergic reactions and other conditions.
$250
Healing Hero
Your generous donation can help fund travel expenses for USF Health team members to meet the medical needs of impacted Jamaican communities.
$500
Relief Champion
Your extraordinary contribution helps secure our mission to provide medical care to impacted Jamaican communities.
$
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