Welcome to Grenada
Jada Jackson
1st year MPH Health Behavior, Health Equity Student
Recently, I had the opportunity to complete a week-long service learning project with the Grenada Red Cross Society (GRCS) through the Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST). For the last couple of months, I was able to act as a Public Health Consultant in continuing the work of the previous cohort and helping to expand the non-remunerated blood supply program at the GRCS. This year, we conducted key informant interviews with GRCS staff, government officials and individuals at the Blood Bank of Grenada. These interviews gave exceptional insight into the ways different organizations operate in Grenada both independently and together on shared initiatives. We also completed in person and online surveys about myths and attitudes surrounding blood donation which were incredibly insightful into the different cultural attitudes towards blood, blood donation, the Grenadian medical system and even the previous work of PHAST/GRCS. Additionally, my team conducted a focus group with Red Cross volunteers and blood donors to gain additional perspectives on blood donation and help pilot test a blood typing event.
Overall, the completion of this project was incredibly successful and was an excellent introduction into community-based public health work in a global/international context. Now that it is over, I am officially transitioning into my intern role with the Grenada Red Cross Society to enhance their management and infrastructure to align with growing disaster preparedness and response needs in the Eastern Caribbean. I am looking forward to learning more about the work of the Red Cross and other agencies in relation to emergency preparedness and disaster management and response and provide recommendations on how to improve Grenada Red Cross Society’s organizational operations, infrastructure and internal policy to reflect the island’s growing needs.