Trinidad and Tobago’s healthcare system is made up of both a federally-funded system and a private sector. As with most countries, the private sector of Trinidad and Tobago’s healthcare system grants people access to better hospitals and clinics, thus better care. However, the cost is not feasible for all Trinidadians and Tobagonians. Around 20% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population falls under the poverty line, and the few public healthcare facilities on the islands lack adequate supplies, ambulance services, and technology to provide high quality care.

The non-communicable diseases  heart disease is the leading cause of death in Trinidad and Tobago, accounting for 60% of deaths in the country. Other causes such as lupus and drowning are low, but they do still contribute to a chunk of the health issues in the country.

From providing civilian training on lifesaving techniques to providing mental health services, here are five charities that are aiming to bring better public health services to the 1.3 million citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

1. The ADHD Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago

The ADHD Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago believes that behavioral health is just as important as physical health. The organization is benefiting public health in Trinidad and Tobago by providing the support and services that children and young adults with ADHD require to reach their full potential.

The foundation offers aid through many different avenues. It hosts training programs to educate parents of children with ADHD about the condition and give them strategies to better manage their child’s behavior. There are workshops for training teachers on identifying ADHD behaviors and creating an ADHD-friendly classroom environment, and for giving children self-management tools. The ADHD Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago also conducts research to ensure that its intervention techniques are effective and aims to provide low-cost counseling and testing for children with ADHD.

2. Arrhythmia Alliance 

Arrhythmia Alliance originated in 2004 with the goal to improve services for arrhythmias and other irregular heart rhythm disorders in the U.K. The organization comprises health care professionals, patients, caregivers and policy makers. In the past 20 years, Arrhythmia Alliance has expanded to more than 40 countries worldwide, including Trinidad and Tobago. 

Its mission is to “promote timely and effective diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias” by educating and bringing awareness to the heart disorder. Arrhythmia Alliance is a partner of World Heart Rhythm Week, which takes place annually during the first week of June, and advocates for enhanced heart rhythm care worldwide. It also sponsors the Know Your Pulse program, which educates the public on the importance of knowing how to take your own pulse to prevent medical emergencies such as strokes.

3. The Trinidad & Tobago Lifesaving Society

The Trinidad & Tobago Lifesaving Society (TTLS) falls under the Royal Life Saving Society. The organization, which is registered in the U.K., covers 31 Commonwealth countries and works to help communities in developing “lifesaving education initiatives and drowning prevention programmes.”

The Trinidad & Tobago Lifesaving Society branch formed in 1948. However, its original name was the Maracas Bay Lifeguard Club and it became known as the TTLS in 1976. The society trains lifeguards, lifesavers, military personnel, schools and public members. As of today, Trinidad and Tobago has more than 600 lifeguards who are actively involved in teaching, lifesaving and contributing to public health improvements in Trinidad and Tobago.

4. The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society’s (TTRCS) main mission is to provide ambulance services that are fully stocked with medical equipment and run by trained paramedics. These ambulances provide many services, including medical care, such as blood pressure and glucose testing, and transport to hospitals. The TTRCS also benefits public health in Trinidad and Tobago by teaching CPR and First Aid training to civilians in order to help people respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.

The TTRCS established the Henry Dunant Clinic in April 2021 with the purpose of bringing some relief to the overwhelmed healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The clinic aims to provide locals with free healthcare thanks to volunteer healthcare professionals.

5. The Voice of Lupus Foundation

The Voice of Lupus Foundation is a nonprofit that works to improve the lives of those lupus has impacted in Trinidad and Tobago. Its mission is to draw awareness to the often overlooked disease by advocating, educating the public and supporting patients and families who have Lupus has affected. Furthermore, through its advocacy efforts, The Voice of Lupus Foundation hopes to amplify the voices of Lupus patients and their families and help them receive access to care and support services.

Looking Ahead

Improving the health care system in Trinidad and Tobago will require a lot of work and committed efforts. However, these five highlighted charities have tackled different aspects of public health, from mental health to emergency response, to try and fill gaps that the government has left and build a healthier Trinidad and Tobago.

– Hannah Fruehstorfer

Hannah is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash