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U of M School of Public Health Delegation to Jamaica

Saturday, April 28- Sunday, May 6

Non-communicable diseases, including chronic kidney disease, are epidemic in the Caribbean.  The staggering cost of caring for those afflicted is threatening to cause widespread collapse of the fragile economies of these island nations.  Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are major causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and are strongly associated with an exponential increase in obesity/overweight across the region.

Jamaica is the largest of the English speaking Caribbean countries with an epidemiological and demographic profile that is representative of the entire Caribbean.  The SPH, in keeping with its global public health education strategy, is seeking to create opportunities to enhance the public health workforce in the Caribbean through education, research, and capacity building.  Jamaica is the starting point to what will ultimately be a Caribbean-wide initiative.

Join fellow University of Minnesota School of Public Health alumni on a service-learning delegation to Jamaica.  The group will spearhead an effort to create cooperative projects between the School of Public Health and the University of the West Indies.

As a member of the delegation, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Examine the public heath informatics infrastructure in Jamaica, as well as the state of diabetes and hypertension in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
  • Work collaboratively with Jamaican public health professionals (nurses, doctors, researchers, students) to enhance the web-based Caribbean Renal Registry used to conduct evidence-based public health practices and research.
  • Participate in a collaborative exchange of ideas with faculty at the University of the West Indies through panel discussions, lectures, and field trips to local health care facilities.
  • Enhance your understanding of challenges and opportunities facing public health systems in developing countries.
  • Learn to work on an international multi-disciplinary public health team
  • Expand your worldview and global cultural competency.

Highlights include:

  • Opening reception with distinguished guests
  • Coast-to-coast experiential learning in Kingston and Ocho Rios
  • Hospital and clinic visits
  • Lectures and panel discussions
  • Free time to enjoy the sights and culture of Jamaica

Estimated Cost: $1,490; airfare not included

  • Pre-departure orientation and training
  • Meals
  • Hotel
  • Transportation
  • In-country support
  • Group international health insurance

More details about the delegation will be posted in the coming weeks

If you are interested in participating in this delegation, contact Liz Stadher at stadt001@umn.edu.

Draft Itinerary

Download the Itinerary

Day 1 – Saturday, April 28:  Travel day and Kingston
Lodging:  Wyndham Hotel (www.wyndham.com/hotels/KINWH/)

Itinerary:

  • Travel to Jamaica. Participants arrive at the Kingston Airport and are picked up and driven to the hotel.
  • Welcome dinner in Kingston

Day 2 – Sunday, April 29:  Port Antonio Day Trip
Lodging:  Wyndham Hotel

Itinerary:

  • Breakfast at Wyndham Hotel
  • 9 a.m. – Tour of Kingston and travel to Port Antonio, about 60 miles and 1½ to 2 hours (www.frommers.com/destinations/portantonio)
  • 11:30 a.m. – Lunch, Great Huts: Paradise on the Edge (www.greathuts.com)
    • Welcome meeting and orientation
      • Overview of schedule
      • Review of goals
      • Presentation of 7 day agenda to participants
  • 1:30 p.m. – Enjoy the beach
  • 6 p.m. – Dinner in Port Antonio
  • 7:30 p.m. – Travel back to the Wyndham Hotel in Kingston

Day 3 – Monday, April 30:  Kingston
Lodging:  Wyndham Hotel

Itinerary:

Day 4 – Tuesday, May 1:  Kingston
Lodging:  Wyndham Hotel

Itinerary:

  • Breakfast at the Wyndham Hotel
  • 9 a.m-1 p.m. – UWI campus
    • Presentation by Dr. Barton and Dr. Soyibo on the Caribbean Renal Registry
    • Learn about the Caribbean Renal Registry and disease surveillance
    • Lunch on the UWI campus
  • 1:30-3 p.m. – Welcome from Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Kingston Public Hospital tour
  • 3:30-5 p.m. – Visit to the Diabetes Association of Jamaica
  • Dinner

Day 5 – Wednesday, May 2:  Mandeville and Black River
Lodging:  Black River region

Itinerary:

Day 6 – Thursday, May 3:  Tour the coast – travel and leisure day
Lodging:  Ocho Rios

Itinerary:

Day 7 – Friday, May 4:  Ocho Rios
Lodging:  Ocho Rios

Itinerary:

  • Breakfast
  • 9:30 a.m. Welcome from Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and St. Anne Bay Hospital tour
  • Lunch
  • Free time for sightseeing or relaxing on your own
  • Dinner
    • Debriefing, reflections, and suggestions
    • Discuss future opportunities for collaboration

Day 8 – Saturday, May 5:  Ocho Rios
Lodging:  Ocho Rios

Itinerary:

  • Breakfast
  • Day of leisure, activities on your own
  • Lunch – Closing remarks
  • Dinner

Day 9 – Sunday, May 6:  Travel Day
Itinerary:

  • Travel to Kingston airport, about 55 miles and 1½-2 hours
  • Safe travel back to U.S. from Kingston
  • Those who choose can make other departure arrangements on their own

Please note that working in an emerging country requires flexibility.  There is a possibility of changes to the itinerary as circumstances warrant during the trip.

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