In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, Community Health Administrator Charlene Bain said health facilities in North Andros are in good standing and service continues despite some damage sustained by the Nicholls Town and Mastic Point clinics.

Bain also affirmed that she was not aware of any outbreaks of diseases that may arise as a result of unsanitary conditions. She did say, however, that the Department of Public Health would pay close attention to North Andros.

Bain explained that conditions and illnesses, especially depression, do not really emerge until weeks after the storm has passed. She said that is when people come out of their state of "shock" and may realize that they have some health concerns.

Residents of North Andros, particularly Lowe Sound, were devastated after Hurricane Matthew pounded the island, leaving many of them homeless or burdened with extensive damage to their homes, cars and deprived of basic utilities.

"We are addressing that from not just the physical but from the mental health and emotional health of persons in those areas," Bain said.

Bain pointed out that the department extended its community outreach efforts to Mastic Point, Red Bays and Nicholls Town to ensure that persons who may not wish to come to the clinics still have access to health care.

"That is something we will continue to do especially in the Lowe Sound area.

Our mental health team should be going down there shortly," she said.

She mentioned the fact that there are two main clinics in Andros: one in Nicholls Town and one in Mastic Point in addition to a satellite clinic in Red Bays.

Bain said, "Nicholls Town clinic had some moderate roof damage and since the storm we where there last week and the temporary renovations to the roof is almost completed so the staff did not have to relocate services.

"So, they are providing services there. In fact, they have extended their hours of operation from 9 p.m. through 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through 9 p.m., to ensure that persons requiring care receive it.

"In regards to the Mastic Point clinic, the main building received some minor damages that is the roof of the laundry room came off but service can occur at that facility."

Bain revealed that the community of Nicholls Town is also taking an initiative to help cleanup the environment around them.

"In terms of Lowe Sound, of course you are aware that there had some extensive damage to homes there and we visited the community of Nicholls Town and on the sea portion were some damage but the community in Nicholls Town is very resilient and they took it upon themselves to start their own cleaning campaign," she said.n cleaning campaign," she said.

Xian Smith, Guardian Business Reporter

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