HFJ Expresses Gratitude for Chase Fund Donation of Diagnostic Equipment

The Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ) has welcomed a donation of $11 million in diagnostic equipment from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, noting that the provision will strengthen its capacity to serve the public and advance the national fight against heart disease.

The equipment include two Holter Monitors, five Haemoglobin Machines, three Automated External Defibrillators, one Paediatric Mega Code Training System, and three Electrocardiogram (ECG) Machines.

Speaking during the recent handover ceremony at the Foundation’s Beechwood Avenue offices in Kingston, HFJ Executive Director, Deborah Chen, said the contribution will enable the organisation to function more effectively with the tools and resources required.

She informed the gathering that the HFJ will celebrate 55 years of service in 2026,  emphasising that support from partners such as the CHASE Fund has enabled the Foundation  to persevere and expand its reach in the national fight against cardiovascular disease.

Mrs. Chen explained that the HFJ provides consultations with cardiologists, hypertension and diabetes clinics, as well as a range of advanced diagnostic services, including echocardiograms, stress treadmill tests, stress echocardiograms, Holter monitoring, and ambulatory blood pressure testing.

“We have also expanded our pharmacy, strengthened our biomedical laboratory, and added a nutrition clinic, as well as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training for both laypersons and healthcare professionals,” she further informed.

The Executive Director voiced concern that despite these advancements, national data continues to reflect a worrying trend. She cited findings from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey, conducted in 2001, 2008 and 2017, which revealed that risk factors for cardiovascular disease are increasing.

Mrs. Chen indicated that in 2024, the HFJ screened more than 17,000 individuals across the island. Of the 17,626 people assessed, only 20 per cent recorded normal blood pressure, while approximately 80 per cent were above the recommended range.

Among the 9,032 individuals who reported no history of hypertension, only 33 per cent recorded normal blood pressure, while of the 8,594 persons who reported having high blood pressure, approximately 65 per cent were found to have uncontrolled hypertension.

Another important statistic revealed that among 16,114 individuals screened for Body Mass Index (BMI), 40 per cent were classified as obese, 31 per cent as overweight, 25 per cent as normal, and four per cent as underweight.

Mrs. Chen indicated that factors such as the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, food insecurity, unhealthy dietary patterns, and related challenges will continue to amplify the problem.

“It is against this backdrop that the work of the HFJ remains as critical and relevant as ever. We continue to serve Jamaica by providing heart-healthy information, screening services and treatment to those who need it most,” she said.

“However, we could not sustain these essential services without support. While user fees help, they do not cover the true cost of service delivery. That is why this donation by the CHASE Fund is so meaningful, and we are grateful for the continued partnership and commitment to improving Jamaica’s heart health,” Mrs. Chen added.