VOLUNTEER SERVICE WITH STRONG EDUCATION COMPONENT AT HEALTH CLINIC IN ST ANN
GOLDEN GROVE, St Ann; April 2, 2025
By Sulandi Sutherland, NCU journalism student
In the heart of Golden Grove, St Ann, the Spicy Hill Community Clinic has become a beacon of hope for residents seeking affordable and accessible healthcare. Held twice per month on Saturdays, at Bethesda Gospel Hall, the clinic not only provides essential medical services but also prioritizes education, empowering patients with the knowledge they need to take control of their health.
The clinic was born from a conversation among three doctors who shared a desire to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the lack of health education that often leads to severe complications or even death.
Founder Dr. Donarald Donaldson emphasized that their mission was to build trust and empower patients through education, helping them manage their conditions effectively.“These diseases come with a high complication rate, which can cause death or significantly decrease a patient’s quality of life. This was the most resourceful way to address the problem with the resources we had,” Dr. Donaldson said.
(Dr Donaldson sharing vital health tips with patients)
According to the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey III (2016-2017), one in three Jamaicans has hypertension, one in eight has diabetes and four of every 10 Jamaicans with either diabetes or hypertension are unaware of their status. A 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) report indicates that NCDs are the leading cause of death in Jamaica, responsible for approximately 80% of all fatalities.
Dr. Jody-Ann Jones, one of the clinic’s lead doctors, further explained the motivation behind the initiative.
“Working in hospitals, we saw major gaps in patient knowledge, screening, and follow-up care. Many people don’t know how to navigate the healthcare system, and some are left untreated. We wanted to change that,” she said.
(Dr Jones, right, checking patient information)
Among the dedicated medical professionals driving this initiative is Dr. Sanecia Daley, who is passionate about cancer awareness and prevention. She, along with fellow doctors, plays a key role in educating patients about critical health issues, including early detection and chronic disease management, through routine presentations at the start of each clinic.
(Dr Sanecia Daley shares information on the digestive system)
What began as a private medical practice quickly evolved when the doctors realized many residents were hesitant to seek care in a traditional office setting. To bridge the gap, they took healthcare into the community, creating an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their health concerns and receiving guidance on prevention and treatment.
GAINING RECOGNITION AND TRUST
The clinic’s journey started with outreach efforts in Trelawny, before becoming a staple in Golden Grove. Over time, it has gained recognition and trust within the community. According to Dr. Jones, one of the clinic’s biggest achievements has been the ability to partner with businesses and organizations to expand its services.
“We’ve been able to provide access to dental care, electrocardiograms (ECGs), eye testing, blood tests, pap smears, and fecal occult blood tests for colon cancer screening, all at a reduced cost. Our attendance has grown significantly, and we make sure to follow up with patients, encouraging them to stick to their treatment plans,” Jones said.
For many patients, the clinic has been life-changing.
“I got my blood pressure and other tests done here. The clinic is a very good initiative. It has helped me make some life changes. Based on my results, I now know what I need to do to keep my health under control,” said Charissa Williamson, a resident who has benefited from the services.
Another patient, Orett Ellis, highlighted the value of the clinic’s educational approach. “Some of the things I wouldn’t think of going to the doctor for, just by coming here, I’ve learned about the health risks and benefits I used to overlook. The clinic doesn’t just check you medically, they educate you first,” Ellis said.
Unlike government-run health centers, Spicy Hill Community Clinic is entirely independent, operating through a combination of sponsorships, registration fees, and personal funds from the doctors involved. While the National Health Fund (NHF) has provided past sponsorship to cover the cost of some medical investigations for patients, the staff works on a voluntary basis.
PATIENT FOCUS
“We don’t try to replace private doctors, health centers, or hospitals, but we provide a form of primary care that is proactive and focused on the patient,” Dr. Donaldson explained. “We ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to take responsibility for their health. Here, we call to check on them and they have direct interaction with their healthcare providers to get the outcomes they need. We try to give patients solutions in a resourceful and creative way.”
Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton acknowledged the role of community health efforts, stating,
“These are key to the future. Taking the screening to the people in their communities. That’s what our programme Know Your Numbers is about.”
(Patients wait at the Spicy Hill Clinic)
The clinic’s approach mirrors this broader national effort, aligning with initiatives like Know Your Numbers (KYN) a programme launched in May 2023, which promotes early screening, detection, and health awareness to combat the rise of NCDs in Jamaica.
Education is at the heart of the clinic’s mission. Beyond their medical services, provided every two weeks, the doctors actively engage with the community through health talks at schools, churches, 4-H clubs, and partnerships with the Social Development Commission (SDC), ensuring that more people understand how to prevent and manage illnesses before they become critical.
As part of its mission to expand access to critical health services, the clinic is now offering ECGs at a significantly reduced rate of $1,200, down from the usual $4,500. Select patients may also qualify for discounted echocardiograms.
For health tips and clinic updates, follow @spicyhillclinicofficial on Instagram.
With its unwavering commitment to healthcare access and education, Spicy Hill Community Clinic is not just treating illnesses, it is transforming lives, one patient at a time.
