CUMI to facilitate spinal clinic

Persons suffering from back pains and abnormal curvature of the spine, which are said to be among the island's most serious illnesses, are poised to get help, thanks to an initiative by the Committee for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill (CUMI) to bring a group of United States-based chiropractors to the island for a two-day Spinal Mission Clinic.

Western Focus understands that the sessions, which are expected to spark significant interest, will be held on December 29 and 30 at Calvary Baptist Church, Montego Bay, St James.

Nurse Joy Crooks, CUMI's administrator, said the service will be at no cost to those who wish to avail themselves of the services of the chiropractors. She has urged persons suffering from back pains and abnormal curvature of the spine to come out and get what would otherwise have been a costly assessment.

"Anybody who suffers from back pain, backache, walking problem caused by muscles in the back, these professionals are offering, for two days, free chiropractor services," said Crooks.

Tackling other wellness issues

CUMI's partnership with the group is part of its 24-year-long non-governmental organisation outreach to the community, which the organisation pursues in addition to taking care of the mentally ill and homeless persons in and around Montego Bay.

"We do not want to only focus on issues to do with mental health, because there are other issues in wellness. Plus, people are always coming and doing diabetic clinics or high blood pressure clinics, so this one is a little different, and chiropractic is very expensive," explained Crooks.

While Crooks was not able to say, specifically, the number of health-care professionals who will be participating in the clinic, she noted that she expects it will be between 50 and 60 persons.

In August of this year, CUMI celebrated its 24th anniversary as the premier organisation delivering rehabilitation services to the mentally ill. Last month, the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented CUMI with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

"'We have been very fortunate that we have had institutions that continued to support us through donations, gifts or volunteer services," said Crooks.

"Commitment comes from places like Half Moon, Burchell Baptist Church, Jimmy's Bakery, Regal Bakery, JMMB and Hart Group of Companies. These companies have been with CUMI for 23 years, if not the whole 24 years."

Aside from charity from these companies, CUMI also raises funds for its trust by hosting the annual CUMI Come Run. This year, the target is to raise $3 million, which Crooks said they were quite confident of achieving.