A Cry for Help – The Dilapidated State of Kissy Community Health Center at Blackhall Road

By Jensen Brian Abass Cummings

Nestled in the heart of the Kissy Blackhall Road area, by the Boston Community Center, stands a once-vibrant facility that has served generations — the Kissy Community Health Center. Once a beacon of hope and healing for the people of Kissy, the center now tells a very different story: one of neglect, decay, and desperate need for intervention.

This health unit, which has been a pillar in the community for decades and was refurbished just 10 years ago, is now a shadow of its former self. As concerned citizens, myself and the Christian organization Men for All Seasons, recently embarked on a feasibility tour to assess the current state of this crucial health facility. What we discovered was deeply troubling and calls for urgent action.

The Current Condition: A Facility in Crisis

During our tour, we identified several alarming issues that are severely affecting the centre’s ability to serve the community effectively:

• Insufficient Beds: The number of beds available does not meet the demand. Patients are often forced to wait or receive care under less-than-ideal circumstances due to the shortage.
• No Placenta Hole: For a facility that provides maternal health services, the lack of a proper placenta disposal site is not only unhygienic but a serious health hazard.
• No Incinerator: The health center lacks a machine to burn used medical materials and waste. This exposes staff and patients to infection and contributes to environmental pollution.
• Poor Sanitary Facilities: The toilet facilities are inadequate and in deplorable condition. A lack of clean, functional restrooms undermines basic hygiene and poses a serious health risk.
• Leaking Roofs: Sections of the building are exposed to the elements due to a badly leaking roof, putting both patients and staff at further risk, especially during the rainy season.
• Damaged Infrastructure: Most of the hardboards and internal structures are falling apart or completely spoiled, making the working and healing environment unsafe and uncomfortable.
• Lack of Medical Equipment and Supplies: The center lacks essential medical tools, machines, and consumables that are crucial for daily operations. From basic gloves and syringes to life-saving equipment, the shortages are overwhelming.

Community Efforts: A Beacon of Hope

In light of these heartbreaking conditions, Men for All Seasons, a faith-based Christian organization, has decided to take action. We are organizing a Thanksgiving Service and Fundraising Campaign aimed at rallying support and resources to assist the health center.

We are therefore inviting the public to join us on:

🗓 Date: Saturday, 17^th May 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Venue: Church of God of Prophecy, Kissy

The event will also feature the launch of our 20^th Anniversary Banner ahead of our grand celebration in 2026. This is a dual-purpose gathering — to give thanks, to raise support, and to build momentum toward a future of impact and service.

A Call to Action

The Kissy Community Health Center has served the people of this area faithfully for decades. Now, it is our turn to serve it. We are calling on:

• The Government and Ministry of Health: To conduct a comprehensive inspection and provide urgent support — both structural and medical.
• NGOs and Philanthropic Groups: To consider the Kissy Health Center in their next outreach and aid programs.
• Community Members and Diaspora: To support the fundraising initiative spearheaded by Men for All Seasons through donations, advocacy, and volunteering.

This facility is more than just a building — it is a lifeline to thousands. Without immediate help, it risks total collapse, leaving a growing population vulnerable and underserved.

Let us come together and breathe new life into the Kissy Community Health Center. Let us show that even in the darkest moments, community and compassion can make all the difference.