Chicago-Area Official Stranded in Jamaica Without Life-Saving Medication After Hurricane
Situation Overview
CHICAGO – A local government staffer from Chicago’s south suburbs is stranded in Jamaica without the medication keeping her transplanted kidney functioning.
What We Know
Trinette Britt-Johnson is chief of staff for Rich Township. She went to Montego Bay for her first vacation since getting a kidney transplant last year. When Hurricane Melissa hit, her supply ran out.
She’s now been without that medication for five days, sleeping in an ambulance while officials in Chicago try to get help to her.
Reactions and Responses
Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill says she’s asking Washington, D.C. to step in before it’s too late.
“This is not a Democratic, Republican party situation,” McCaskill said. “We’re talking about an American citizen, a young Black woman that has given her life to service, and now she needs your help. We need you to get involved.”
Next Steps
McCaskill says she’s been on the phone with members of Congress and the U.S. embassy trying to get her medication into Jamaica.
Doctors say the drug is not available on the island and every hour without it puts Britt-Johnson’s health in danger.
Background and Context
The situation highlights the challenges of accessing medical care and essential medications in emergency situations, especially in areas affected by natural disasters like hurricanes.
Britt-Johnson’s case also underscores the importance of having a reliable supply of life-saving medications, particularly for individuals with transplanted organs.
Efforts to Help Britt-Johnson
Officials in Chicago and Washington, D.C. are working together to find a solution to Britt-Johnson’s situation, including trying to arrange for her medication to be delivered to Jamaica.
The U.S. embassy in Jamaica is also involved in the efforts to assist Britt-Johnson, and McCaskill is urging the public to get involved and support the efforts to help her.
Impact on Britt-Johnson’s Health
Every hour without her medication puts Britt-Johnson’s health in danger, according to doctors. The lack of access to her life-saving medication has already caused her significant distress and discomfort.
Britt-Johnson’s situation is a reminder of the importance of having access to essential medical care and medications, particularly in emergency situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the situation of Trinette Britt-Johnson, a Chicago-area official stranded in Jamaica without her life-saving medication, highlights the challenges of accessing medical care in emergency situations. The efforts of officials in Chicago and Washington, D.C. to assist her demonstrate the importance of cooperation and support in times of crisis.
It is essential to recognize the importance of having a reliable supply of life-saving medications, particularly for individuals with transplanted organs. Britt-Johnson’s situation serves as a reminder of the need for emergency preparedness and access to medical care, especially in areas affected by natural disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Trinette Britt-Johnson’s situation?
A: Trinette Britt-Johnson is a Chicago-area official who is stranded in Jamaica without her life-saving medication, which is necessary to keep her transplanted kidney functioning.
Q: What happened to Britt-Johnson’s medication supply?
A: Britt-Johnson’s medication supply ran out when Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica, and she has been without it for five days.
Q: What are officials doing to help Britt-Johnson?
A: Officials in Chicago and Washington, D.C. are working together to try to arrange for Britt-Johnson’s medication to be delivered to Jamaica, and the U.S. embassy in Jamaica is also involved in the efforts to assist her.
Q: How can the public help Britt-Johnson?
A: The public can help Britt-Johnson by supporting the efforts of officials to assist her and by raising awareness about the importance of accessing medical care and essential medications in emergency situations.
The Source: This story contains reporting by Fox 32 Chicago.
