U.S. Special Operations Forces consisting of Civil Affairs, Psychological Operations, and Special Forces service members that make up Cross Functional Team-Guyana, facilitated the donation of medical equipment, February 3, to a hospital in Linden, Guyana.
Through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Humanitarian Assistance Program, the U.S. Embassy and Cross Functional Team-Guyana donated medical equipment valued at $33,000 to the Linden Hospital Complex. Over 900 items were donated including: blood pressure cuffs, filing cabinets, blankets, pillows, sheets, wheelchairs, and adjustable field hospital beds.
U.S. Army Captain Martin Mann Jr., a Special Operations Civil Affairs officer, and Cross Functional Team Leader, facilitated the donation and the visit of U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch to the Linden Hospital for the official handover event, where she toured the hospital grounds and met with key leaders in the region.
During Ambassador Lynch’s visit, she met with nongovernmental organizations, Guyana’s Minister of Health Frank Anthony, Regional Chairman Deron Adams, Linden Hospital CEO Rudy Small, and many hospital staff and patients. Additionally, Regional Health Officer, Dr. Gregory Harris spoke with Ambassador Lynch about a mobile health clinic initiative that he plans to develop to build on the success of this project and deliver care to remote communities.
This project serves both the residents of Linden and other communities, as a large portion of the medical equipment and supplies donated were delivered to more remote community clinics in the area. Many of these residents find it difficult to travel to the hospital for testing and treatment.
Guyana is currently working to make major advancements to its healthcare system and medical infrastructure. Projects like this allow the government of Guyana to lean into initiatives such as the digitization of medical records and the implementation of national telehealth capabilities. The U.S. government and U.S. Southern Command are committed to the continued support of the people of Guyana and to fostering the incredibly strong partnership built through projects and collaborations.
