Mission
To provide compassionate, sustainable healthcare to the people of Falmouth, Jamaica through volunteer service, medical outreach, and enduring partnerships.
Values
Commitment
Service
Sustainability
Community
Legacy
The Full Story
1988 - 1992
A humble start
In 1990 the Congregation of First United Methodist Church of Rock Port Missouri decided on a mission trip to Falmouth Jamaica. On that first trip attended Dr. Carpenter, the very first U.S. physician to volunteer in Falmouth. At that time there was no clinic building, instead the group saw patients in a makeshift room adjacent to the local church.
Dr. Carpenter and his team were overwhelmed by the amount of need at that time. Dr. Carpenter made a lifelong commitment to give back to Falmouth and the parish of Trelawny.
1992 - 2002
The Clinic expands
Dr. Carpenter kept his word. He brought donated medications and supplies every three months. Even before buzz words like "sustainability" and "longitudinal care" were en vogue, he knew it wasn't enough to come once a year and drop off some ibuprofen and vitamins. Through his determination, grit and the perseverance of countless volunteers the clinic expanded.
During the 1990s, medical schools, church groups and other volunteers groups from Alabama to UCLA came to Falmouth. A Group from Alabama built the current clinic in 1992, and it remains in use today. Medical schools from Missouri, Nebraska, and California introduced the next wave of practitioners to Falmouth.
2002 - 2016
A torch is passed
In 2002, Steve Mills, a biology professor in Missouri went on the first trip at the urging of his wife Linda Mills. It was a match made in heaven. Since then, Steve has supported >20 years of medical outreach with hundreds of thousands of dollars of donations. He is a tireless promoter, fundraiser and recruiter.
Sadly, Linda passed away in 2017, and her legacy lives on in the clinic.
Without Dr. Mills the dream of this clinic would never have been realized. He continues to bring medical and lay volunteers yearly.
2016 - Present
Central Ohio
Jamaica Medical Outreach
Under the leadership of Dr. Josh Black, Dr. Philicia Duncan, and Dr. Tyler Earl, we are continuing the mission started in 1990.
Dr. Black was introduced to the Falmouth clinic during medical school and had a profound effect on his career. Dr. Duncan was recruited in 2018 and has been instrumental in expanding the outreach.
Dr. Earl was recruited in 2020 and immediately fell in love with the clinic. We have constant challenges including hurricanes, a global pandemic, and need to innovate from thousands of miles away.
Interested in Volunteering?
Get in touch!