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Celebrating our 10th Year Anniversary! Thank you to all of our partners, volunteers and friends for your support!

View “Celebrating 10 Years of Giving Back” commemorative online brochure on the Jamaica Gleaner Website

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Reported by the Jamaica Gleaner Friday | April 22, 2016 | by Christopher Thomas

Director of the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) Dr Ken Garfield Douglas (left) exchanges a warm handshake with Chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation Paul Issa, while President and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation Diane Pollard shares the moment. Occasion was handover of neonatal equipment to the hospital’s special-care unit.

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Issa Trust Foundation has given a commitment to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland to fully outfit the facility’s neonatal unit as well as finance the training of staff to care for premature babies.

The commitment was given on Tuesday by Paul Issa, the chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, during a brief launch ceremony on the grounds of the hospital. He also used the opportunity to outline additional plans by the organisation to improve health care at the hospital as well as at other facilities islandwide.

“I think we know that this hospital, along with every other hospital in Jamaica, has had some severe challenges, but we hope to be able to help you bridge the gap and address these issues,” Issa told stakeholders in his brief address. “We want to help you to improve the service that you offer to the community of western Jamaica.”

The neonatal unit has been equipped at a cost of J$24 million. Additional funds will be provided for the training of the staff to operate and maintain the facility. The foundation has also donated US$2,000 (J$244,460.50) worth of disposable equipment, which includes tubing and hypodermic needles, to the unit.

“The unit is based on the model of the special-care nursery we did at the St Ann’s Bay Hospital a few years ago, which has reduced infant mortality rates by 30 per cent,” said Issa. “We have replicated that here, and I think it is really going to change the quality of the neonatal health care at this hospital. We are going to be in an ongoing relationship, and we are very excited about it.”

SIGNIFICANT BOOST

Dr Alfred Dawes, the hospital’s senior medical officer, said the gift of the neonatal unit is a significant boost to the hospital’s capacity to provide high-quality services.

“This unit has really boosted the hospital’s efforts at providing care. Before that, we were not equipped to deal with premature babies, and so they had to be transferred,” said Dawes. “If they were unfortunate enough to be the ones who were not accepted by Cornwall Regional Hospital, then we would not be able to care for them and they would die.”

“With the commitment of the Issa Foundation, and the training programme and the increased staffing that we expect to get, once the nursery is up and running fully, then we should be able to provide top-class care for these premature babies,” added Dawes.

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[Click Here] to Register for the Issa Trust Foundation Pediatric Education Conference to provide practitioners with general information regarding pediatric cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology-oncology and genetics.

Dates & Times: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. July 18 to 22, 2016 Lunch and Refreshments Provided

Location:  Couples Sans Souci, Ocho Rios Conference Room

Seminar Description: Who should enroll: This seminar will provide practitioners with general information regarding pediatric cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology-oncology and genetics. The educational program will be geared toward “take home” messages that can be instituted in to medical practice. In addition to didactic lectures, interactive sessions, team-based learning objectives and newborn resuscitation skill sessions and simulation will be incorporated into the seminar.

Instructors:
  • Jeffrey Segar MD, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Iowa. Course Director. Medical Director, Issa Trust Foundation
  • Rolla Abu-Arja MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital/Ohio State University
  • Princy Ghera MD, MBBS, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Iowa
  • Luis Ochoa MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Iowa
  • Riad Rahhal MD, MS, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Iowa
  • Pamela Trapane MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Iowa
Monday, July 18th
9:00a – 9:15a Introduction, Overview of Program, Distribute materials
9:15a – 10:00a Neutropenia/thrombocytopenia
10:00a – 11:00a Anemia
11:00a – 12:00p Palpitations/dizziness/”racing heart”/dysthymias
12:00p – 1:00p Lunch
1:00p – 2:00p Sickle Cell update
2:00p – 3:00p Pediatric Hypertension
Review of neonatal resuscitation, hands on with simulation – bag/mask ventilation, intubation, umbilical line placement (will limit participant number each day)
Tuesday, July 19th
9:00a –10:00a Evaluation of Abdominal Pain
10:00a – 11:00a Overview Pediatric Nutrition and malnutrition
11:00a – 12:00p Visual diagnoses:  genetic red flags in well checks
12:00p – 1:00p Lunch
1:00p – 2:00p Reflex and Vomiting
2:00p – 3:00p Connective tissue diseases
Review of neonatal resuscitation, hands on with simulation – bag/mask ventilation, intubation, umbilical line placement (will limit participant number each day)
Wednesday, July 20th
9:00a – 10:00a Asthma/reactive airway disease
10:00a – 11:00a Chronic cough
11:00a – 12:00p Congenital Heart disease
12:00p – 1:00p Lunch
1:00p – 2:00p Chest Pain: Lung, heart, muscle, bone
2:00p – 3:00p Break out sessions: meet the subspecialist
Review of neonatal resuscitation, hands on with simulation – bag/mask ventilation, intubation, umbilical line placement (will limit participant number each day)
Thursday, July 21st
9:00a – 9:00a GI “itis” : hepatitis, pancreatitis, esophagitis, gastritis
10:00a – 11:00a Introduction to oncology – when to be concerned and when to refer
11:00a – 12:00p Using online resources in medical care
12:00p – 1:00p Lunch
1:00p – 2:00p Upper respiratory diseases
2:00p – 3:00p Interesting Case presentations – audience presents to speakers
Review of neonatal resuscitation, hands on with simulation – bag/mask ventilation, intubation, umbilical line placement (will limit participant number each day)
Friday, July 22nd
9:00a –10:00a Acquired heart disease- Infection, rheumatic, valvular, tumors, cardiovascular involvement in systemic diseases
10:00a – 11:00a Early Childhood cardiovascular risks-
11:00a – 12:00p Constipation
12:00p – 1:00p Lunch
1:00p – 2:00p Respiratory Infections (from baby to adolescent)
2:00p – 3:00p Evaluating the “delayed” child
Review of neonatal resuscitation, hands on with simulation – bag/mask ventilation, intubation, umbilical line placement (will limit participant number each day)
Seminar Fee: JA$1,215.78 [US$10.00]

Conference registration has reached capacity, please watch for forthcoming information.

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From the Jamaica Gleaner | January 21, 2016 | Gladstone Taylor

The Issa Trust Foundation (ITF) handed over US$2million worth of pharmaceutical supplies recently during a ceremony held at the Henry Shaw Auditorium at the Kingston Public Hospital.

Among the items were IV fluids, antibiotics, medicine for non-communicable deseases, gloves gowns, and other items to assist in the quality of care provided.

Established in 2005 by Couples Resorts, the ITF focuses on health prevention, promotion, and education, as well as on the improvement of medical services in Jamaica.

The ITF continues its partnership, donating pharmaceuticals on a quarterly basis via air freight to minimise delays in delivery of critical medications.

The foundation also works to reduce infant mortality by improving the capacity of the public-health infrastructure to care for premature, low-weight, and very sick infants.
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Green Island Primary School

School Motto: Strive for Excellence
Green Island Primary School was built in 1920. The school is located in Hanover Jamaica. Present enrollment: 283 girls and 301 boys ages 6 to 12 years old.

The staff consists of the Principal, (Mr. Vaccianna Moseley) the Vice Principal, Guidance Counselor, Spanish Teacher, 16 classroom teachers, and a part time Physical Education teacher.

Extra Curricular Activities:
Clubs: 4H, Brownies, Sports, Math, Spanish, Speech, Empowerment, Scouts Club, Performing Arts, Reading and Spelling

Vision:
To create meaningful and unified learning experiences in an environment which is conducive to academic and personal growth and development of staff, pupils, parents and all other stake holders.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Green island Primary School is to establish and maintain an effective Educational Program that will ensure the HOLISTIC development of each individual.
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We are excited to announce The Issa Trust Foundation’s 12th mission in partnership with the North East Regional Health Authority.

itf 12th medical mission flyerAnnually, the Issa Trust Foundation sponsors a free pediatric medical mission in Jamaica. The 2016 team of 41 volunteers includes pediatric cardiologists, neonatologist, general pediatric nurses, physicians, and pharmacists are excited to serve the parish of St. Mary and St. Ann The team will be providing complete medical exams, laboratory testing, fluoride treatment and medications. In addition, children will be provided cardiology exam with an echocardiogram in the clinic if needed. As in past years, all children will receive free eye exams and receive their glasses immediately after their exam, provided by the Michigan Lions.  
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November 18, 2015

Dear Board,

This has been a very busy year! Please see the latest press releases for your review.

November 13, 2015 – Issa Trust Foundation Gives Life-Saving Equipment To Hospitals

November 11, 2015 – Support The Health Care System! Lady Hall Urges Corporate Jamaica To Hop On Board

November 10, 2015 – Sav Hospital Gets Paediatric Gifts

October 13, 2015 – IssaTrust Foundation On A Mission

August 31, 2015 – Issa Trust Foundation Hosts Medical Clinics

Diane Pollard, President & CEO
Issa Trust Foundation
cell: 515-480-1683
Jamaica cell (when in country) 876-503-5903

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From the Jamaica Gleaner

Tuesday | November 10, 2015 | Adrian Frater

Paediatric care at the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland, got a major boost last week when the Issa Trust Foundation, in collaboration with US-based Heart to Heart Foundation, presented the institution with state-of-the art equipment valued at US$190,000.

The items donated included incubators, warmers for newborns, diagnostic equipment, operating lights and ventilators, among other much-needed equipment.

In expressing gratitude for the equipment, Dr Kerri Ann McKenzie, the hospital’s paediatrician, said the equipment, donated specifically to fully outfit a new Level 2 Special Care Nursery, will ensure advanced respiratory support of newborns.

“It will allow us to offer much better care, particularly to our newborns but also to the general department, ” said Dr McKenzie

Camile Lewin, acting chief executive officer at the hospital, expressed profound gratitude to the Issa Trust Foundation, saying the organisation had come to the institution’s assistance at a most opportune time.

“I want to express my deep appreciation to the Issa Trust Foundation for coming on board and assisting us where we’ve fallen short,” said Lewin, noting that while the hospital’s needs were great, the support they were getting was proving to be quite helpful.

Diane Pollard, president and chief executive officer, the Issa Trust Foundation, who was present for the hand over, assembling and installation of the equipment, expressed much delight at being able to assist the hospital.

“We’re excited at the opportunity to partner with the Western Regional Heath Authority and the hospital to bring acute neonate services to enhance what they already have,” said Pollard, whose team included technical experts, who assembled the equipment and advise senior staff on how to use them.

“We bring the equipment down, we make sure it is working,” Pollard said. “The foundation also paid for piped oxygen for the ward and, in January, we’re going to come back with our neonate specialist. We’re going to set up the ventilator and train staff to give these babies some comfort.”

The Issa Trust Foundation is a non-profit organisation created by Paul Issa’s Couples Resort to focus on supporting paediatric health initiatives. Heart to Heart is a US non-profit body that provides volunteers around the world and helps in disaster recoveries.

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Jamaica Gleaner
October 13, 2015

More than 1000 children received free medical and eye care during The Issa Trust Foundation Pediatric Medical Mission held over five days in the parishes of Hanover and Westmoreland from September 24 – 29.

The Paul Issa chaired foundation, has been supporting Jamaica’s children over the past 11 years through various support programmes. Issa is also deputy chairman of Couples Resorts.

“We ensure that the mediation prescribed is available in Jamaica and if a patient requires follow up this is also facilitated,” Diane Pollard, president and CEO of the non- profit group said, “We are proud of our medical mission because we ensure continuity.”

“We have developed a highly efficient process to provide pediatric medical care to as many children at the highest standard of care we can deliver,” Pollard added, noting that they offer everything except for operations; all of which would normally cost a child in the region of US$400, which can making a big difference in a child’s life.

The outreach team led by registered nurse Kerri Cooke and Dr Pat Brophy comprises of medical professionals, such as pediatric pharmacists, intensive care physicians, hematology-oncology consultants, general pediatricians, nephrologists, nurse midwife, pulmonologists, neonatologist, pediatric nurse practitioner, a pediatric nurse and respiratory therapist.

The procedure takes each child through registration, blood pressure check along with other preliminary examinations, doctors’ visit and then to the pharmacy if medication is prescribed. Each child is then examined by a dental hygienist, followed by eye examination and the provision of prescribed eye wear to one in every four children seen, through the support of the Lions Club of Michigan’s donation of over 2000 eyeglasses.

“It’s just an awesome feeling to be giving back, “said pharmacist Art Abrahams, who hails from Ohio City in the US and who is making his second trip to Jamaica with the mission, “From a health care professional’s perspective this sort of support is very important, because such things can easily be taken for granted, but to see firsthand, the need of others, many who cannot afford it and then contribute to make a difference is very rewarding.

According to the foundation, its mission is to provide a system of prevention, health promotion and education, community health improvement and other services to promote well-being and development for the people of Jamaica.

mark.titus[at]gleanerjm.com

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Direct Relief’s collaboration with the Issa Trust Foundation began in 2015 with the delivery of essential respiratory medications, including 792 inhalers, oral corticosteroids, and sodium chloride for use with nebulizers. Diagnostic and respiratory supplies and equipment, such as infant and neonate blood pressure cuffs, a pulse oximeter, and a nebulizer compressor, were also included.

Read more on Direct Relief’s website »
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