MPH NEWSLETTER VOL. 27
MPH Newsletter, Vol. 27
Jamaican Blue Mountains
May 2026
Hi there,
This past month, our team traveled to the beautiful Jamaican Blue Mountains for a week focused on women's health, economic empowerment, and community partnership. Through health fairs, educational outreach, and the inaugural Blue Mountain Sisterhood Women's Business Conference, we worked alongside local leaders, health professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs to support community-driven initiatives that will continue long after our visit.
By listening to community needs and building on existing strengths, we were able to provide health education, preventative screenings, essential supplies, business development opportunities, and meaningful connections for women and families throughout Mavis Bank, Hagley Gap, and surrounding communities.
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Stay healthy,
Women's Health Fairs
One of the highlights of the trip was hosting two Women's Health Fairs in Mavis Bank and Hagley Gap. These events provided opportunities for community members to access health education, preventative screenings, and essential health and hygiene supplies.
Participants visited educational stations covering topics such as heart disease, diabetes, HIV/STI prevention, maternal and infant health, breast cancer awareness, menstrual health, and personal hygiene. Community members also received blood pressure and glucose screenings, learned how to perform self-breast exams, and took home hygiene products, menstrual supplies, vitamins, and other necessities.
For many attendees, the fairs created a welcoming space to ask questions, learn about preventative care, and connect with resources that can support healthier lives. In Hagley Gap, where transportation and access to services can be more challenging, bringing these resources directly into the community helped reduce barriers and expand access to important health information.
Blue Mountain Sisterhood Women's Business Conference
After learning that many local businesses throughout the Blue Mountains are owned and operated by women, our team organized the first-ever Blue Mountain Sisterhood Women's Business Conference.
The conference brought together women entrepreneurs for a day of networking, collaboration, goal-setting, and professional development. Participants engaged in discussions focused on confidence-building, leadership, business growth, and supporting one another as women in business.
One of the most exciting outcomes was the creation of the Blue Mountain Sisterhood, a network of local women business owners committed to continuing to meet, collaborate, and support one another moving forward. What began as a one-day event has the potential to become a lasting source of mentorship, partnership, and economic empowerment throughout the region.
Supporting Youth & Schools
Our final day was dedicated to visiting schools throughout Mavis Bank and Mt. Charles. We distributed donated books, toys, school supplies, educational materials, and other resources to support students and educators.
We also hosted a special session for high school girls focused on menstrual health, reproductive health education, confidence, and self-care. Students received care packages filled with hygiene and menstrual products, helping promote both health awareness and dignity.
These school visits provided an opportunity to invest in the next generation while encouraging open conversations about topics that are often difficult to discuss. By supporting both students and teachers, we hope these resources and conversations will continue creating positive impacts in the months ahead.
Did you know that women make up nearly half of Jamaica's labor force and play a critical role in driving local economies, especially through small businesses and entrepreneurship?
Research has shown that when women have access to health resources, education, and economic opportunities, entire communities benefit. Women are more likely to reinvest earnings into their families, support children's education, and contribute to community development.
That's one reason why our work in the Jamaican Blue Mountains focused on both women's health and women's economic empowerment. By supporting women through health education, access to essential supplies, leadership development, and business networking opportunities, we're helping strengthen the foundation for healthier and more resilient communities.
Public Health Organization Spotlight
This month, we're highlighting the incredible work of the local health centers, schools, churches, and community leaders throughout the Jamaican Blue Mountains who partnered with us during our Women's Health & Empowerment Initiative.
From the staff at the Mavis Bank Health Centre and St. Michael's Anglican Church to educators, entrepreneurs, and volunteers across Mavis Bank, Hagley Gap, and Mt. Charles, these community partners helped make our health fairs, school visits, and Women's Business Conference possible.
One of the most inspiring outcomes was the launch of the Blue Mountain Sisterhood, a growing network of women business owners committed to supporting one another through collaboration, mentorship, and shared resources. Their dedication demonstrates how community-led solutions can create lasting impact long after a single event ends.
We are grateful for the warm welcome, meaningful partnerships, and shared commitment to improving health and opportunity throughout the Blue Mountains.
8 oz sweet potato, cooked
6 oz Monterey jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup mild salsa
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
4 (10”) tortillas
Instructions:
Prick the sweet potato all over with a fork. Cover it with a damp paper towel and
microwave for 6-7 minutes or until the potato is soft. Let it cool slightly, then cut it
open and scoop out the cooked sweet potato.
Mash the salsa, beans, and sweet potato together until combined.
Spread 1⁄4 of the mixture onto one half of a 10” tortilla. Top with cheese. Fold the
tortilla over and set aside. Repeat with the remaining 3 tortillas.
Stovetop directions:
In a large, non-stick skillet, spray with olive oil or drizzle with a small amount of oil
and heat over medium heat for 1 minute.
Cook the quesadillas, two at a time, for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden
brown.
Oven Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Place the quesadillas on a single layer on a baking sheet.
For a crispy exterior, spray or lightly brush the quesadillas with olive oil.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Make it a community meal—invite a neighbor to join you or drop off a bowl for someone who could use a warm gesture!
What our team is thinking about this month…
This trip reinforced the power of community partnership, local leadership, and sustainable outreach. From health education and preventative care to business development and youth empowerment, every activity was designed to support long-term community goals rather than short-term solutions.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who welcomed us into their communities and helped make this work possible. We look forward to continuing these relationships and supporting future initiatives throughout the Jamaican Blue Mountains.
With gratitude,
Moxley Public Health