Date: February 8th, 2021
CONTACT: Ms. Keri Evans
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.caribbeanheart.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kingston, Jamaica, February 5, 2021 – With the month of February being celebrated as Heart Month, Heart Institute of the Caribbean, through HIC Foundation has allocated the sum of JMD$70 million in in-kind grant to be distributed between the 14 parishes in Jamaica with each parish receiving JMD$5 million for free or subsidized care to indigent patients in need of cardiovascular diagnostics or treatment at HIC and HIC Heart Hospital.
In kicking off Heart Month, HIC welcomed partnerships with Hon. Juliet Holness, Member of Parliament for East Rural, St. Andrew and Abi-Gaye Smythe, founder of “I have a Heart Foundation”. On Tuesday, February 2, 2021, and February 4, 2021, Hon. Juliet Holness toured HIC and ran series of cardiovascular diagnostics in keeping with our theme Feeling the pressure. Visiting HIC has opened my eyes as to how developed our country is, here in Jamaica we have our very own fully decked Cardiovascular Hospital that caters to everything as it pertains to heart. Cardiovascular disease accounts for thousands of deaths and disabilities annually in Jamaica, plus thousands of lost hours in productivity.” Said Mrs. Holness
“The adverse impact of cardiovascular diseases on the health and economic fortunes of Jamaicans have become more acute because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I urge everyone whether young or old to get tested, do not wait until it is too late. HIC is fully equipped to cater to you not only in Kingston but at their other branches that are located in Ocho Rios and Mandeville”, she continued.
Hon. Juliet Holness will be providing JMD$5 million for free or subsidized care to her constituents that are in need of cardiovascular diagnostics or treatment at HIC and HIC Heart Hospital. HIC Foundation also partnered with Abi-Gaye Smythe, founder of “I have a Heart Foundation” to provide similar cardiovascular diagnostics or treatment for individuals she has come across that struggles with affording basic treatment. In 2013 Abi-Gaye started the ‘I Have A Heart’ Foundation which aims to raise awareness on heart disease. As a heart disease patient, her long-term goal is to help source financial support for persons with heart diseases and to form support groups. She also has plans to do more to raise awareness of heart diseases including a school tour and more public education work through social media.
“Living with a heart disease is challenging; it’s scary and it’s costly. It is very expensive and not a lot of people can afford the necessary treatment. My first initial surgery to implant the device, was $15,500.00 US Dollars on a special discounted price. Now, it is probably like $30,000 – $35,000 US Dollars. Some tests cost you up to Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) Jamaican, depends. I am happy to see HIC doing something like this. During my tour of the hospital, I was very surprised to know that HIC is a one-stop shop for persons who suffer from cardiovascular disease. My prayers have been answered.” Abi explains.
To be eligible for the HIC COVID Relief Plan, persons can be nominated by an organisation or can apply to the HIC Community COVID Relief Plan. The nominee must be a Jamaican citizen residing in Jamaica or legally registered in Jamaica and possess a valid government ID. The grant amount will be a maximum of $50,000 per person to be applied to the cost of services at HIC or HIC Heart Hospital.
All applications will be screened in order to qualify for the grant. The grant may be utilised at any HIC location in Jamaica, is valid and redeemable until December 31st, 2021.
Minors under the age of 18 are eligible for the HIC Relief Plan but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Persons interested in applying to the Fund can call the HIC or HIC Heart Hospital at 876 906 2107 or email [email protected].
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About Heart Institute of the Caribbean
The Heart Institute of the Caribbean (HIC) is the premier center of excellence for cardiovascular care in the English-Speaking Caribbean. We have recently opened the HIC Heart Hospital, which is the only dedicated full-service Specialty Heart Hospital in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
HIC provides comprehensive and sophisticated diagnosis and management of all forms of heart diseases and has multiple locations and several heart stations situated across Jamaica to improve access to care to all Jamaicans. HIC provides expert diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular care and consultative opinion locally and remotely via a network of specialists around the world linked by a global telemedical network. Visit our website www.caribbeanheart.com for more information.