For the past 28 years, New Jersey-based Caribbean Medical Mission (CMM) has made the trek to the Caribbean and Africa with the expressed mission of providing free medical care to underserved communities that need it most.
On November 1, the organization will host its annual Black Tie Gala at The Grand, 38 Lackawanna Avenue in Totowa, New Jersey. Music will be provided by DJ Supreme.
“Funds raised from the gala will help our trip next year to Belize, so we really need folks to come on out and support us,” said Dr. Donna Hutton-Cassie, President of the CMM.
This year, Dr. Montrae Calhoun Thomas, a pediatrician in New Jersey, and Mr. Michael Wattkis will be honored by the CMM for their mission of service to New Jersey.
“Recognizing them (Dr Thomas and Mr Wattkis) makes everyone aware of the value and the impact they have had on the community,” Dr Hutton-Cassie informed.
For the past 40 years, Dr. Thomas has worked tirelessly caring for the children of North Jersey. She has also inspired and mentored many young, aspiring physicians. Mike Wattkis, who co-founded the Mystic United Soccer Club and launched the Heritage Invitational Soccer Tournament & Health Fair, is an accomplished journalist and community advocate. He has spent decades strengthening Caribbean and American communities through education, sports, and mentorship.
“Recognizing these individuals will encourage others to do community service and inspire them to get involved. It’s also important to let them know that all the work that they have done is appreciated. I think sometimes we don’t recognize those who are out there doing the work,” Dr Hutton-Cassie reminded.
Speaking about the genesis of the Caribbean Medical Mission, Dr Cassie said, “Our founders realized there were people, especially in rural areas, who lack access to even the most basic healthcare. It was started when the need was recognized in Jamaica by then Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon. Portia Simpson Miller,” Dr Hutton-Cassie informed.
“Since then, we’ve been going to Jamaica and to other countries, providing free health care. We usually have doctors with us, including an ophthalmologist. This is our past president, Dr. Winston Scott. We have an OBGYN, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and internists. We have nurses and our support staff to help us with the people we are serving,” she said.
“All of our members volunteer their time,” she explained. “The doctors close their private practices, nurses take vacation time, and support staff come along, all at their own expense. They pay their way because they believe in giving back.”
Dr Cassie says each trip abroad lasts no longer than a week.
“CMM collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health in each host country to ensure all medications and treatments meet national standards. In Jamaica, for example, we have treated hundreds of patients with glaucoma,” Dr. Cassie said. “Many were not on proper medication or had never received treatment. Our ophthalmologist, Dr. Scott, sometimes sees up to 400 patients in a single day,” she said.
CMM has, over the years, donated dialysis machines, EKG units to local clinics, provided eyeglasses, medication, and free consultations to thousands.
“When we went to Jamaica recently, we didn’t have a dentist. The demand was overwhelming. We also see cases where patients need mental health support. We had a few trained providers, but we need to recruit psychiatrists and mental health professionals,” Dr Hutton-Cassie confessed.
The mission’s motto could well be summed up in Dr. Hutton-Cassie’s words, “For those to whom much is given, much is required.”
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