Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica all suffered extensive damage and loss of life as a result of Hurricane Melissa.

Here are some trusted ways to support victims and recovery in Jamaica, provided by Alex Balfour, a resident at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center who was born and raised in Jamaica. Read her message below or download a PDF flier here.

“Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica’s southwestern coast on October 28, 2025, wrecking the parishes of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth with record-breaking winds up to 185mph. Communities have been devastated—homes flattened, roofs torn away, and roads rendered impassable—severely hampering rescue and medical access. Hurricane Melissa has disrupted services islandwide, damaging hospitals, cutting electricity and water, and halting routine blood drives when needed most. There has been “significant damage” to at least four major hospitals: Noel Holmes in Hanover, Black River in St Elizabeth, Cornwall Regional in St James, and Falmouth in Trelawny.”

Where to read more: 

Donate or volunteer with organizations responding to this natural disaster:

For more information, or questions on how to get involved, contact Alex Balfour, MD at alexbalfour98@gmail.com