Overview

The Caribbean Training and Education Center for Health (C-TECH) supports countries in the region in their efforts to successfully address health workforce and health system challenges. C-TECH partners with government, academic and civil society organizations to support strong health systems and a skilled and empowered health care workforce to improve the health of communities within the Caribbean.

Previously operating as the Caribbean office of the International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH) at the University of Washington (UW), CTECH has been implementing innovative, locally driven healthcare programmes in the Caribbean for the past 17 years. CTECH became an autonomous entity of the International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH) in 2020 but remains a part of the I-TECH network which enables to access the academic depth and regulatory structures of UW and, together with local and regional clinical and programmatic expertise, scale-up best practices and strengthen health systems.

Based in Jamaica, C-TECH’s high-calibre team of professionals, Clinicians and Academics have gained unparalleled experience working at treatment sites across the region, responding to and meeting local needs. C-TECH’s core work focuses on HIV prevention, support, care, and treatment programmes and strengthening systems to respond to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

C-TECH has adopted and adapted I-TECH’s robust financial and administrative policies, procedures, and systems to successfully administer and manage complex international grants from diverse funding sources, including the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP), the Global Fund, and United States government funding agencies. The C-TECH team manages programs funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to support HIV Care and Treatment, Health Systems Strengthening, and Human Resources for Health in the Caribbean region.

C-TECH is part of the UW/I-TECH global network, which operates in 17 countries and comprises a culturally rich community of experts including UW faculty, global partners, staff, and students. As part of this network, C-TECH accesses the academic depth and regulatory structures of UW and, together with local and regional clinical and programmatic expertise, scales up best practices and strengthens health systems.

Joining Forces to Tackle NCDs!

Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Caribbean Training and Education Center for Health (C-TECH) team of Consultants had a fruitful meeting with Dr. Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, on July 14, 2023. Joined by his NCD team at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, we discussed the Caribbean Development Bank funded Caribbean Moves project. This initiative aims to improve the health of the Caribbean region and combat non-communicable diseases. Stay tuned for updates on our collaborative efforts!

A stressful work environment can contribute to several health issues both mentally and physically, these may include headache, insomnia, stomach-aches, anxiety, difficulty concentrating high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. 

It is important then that we take meaningful steps to ensure that we are manging our own personal space to avoid some of these issues. Our assumption, perception and expectation affect how we react to others and life situations and ultimately how we view how jobs. When assumption, expectations and perceptions are not met, we respond through our thought’s feelings and behaviours. It is important to practice positive thinking as our thoughts affects how we feel, and our feelings affects how we behave.

Here are some tips to help you with your work environment:

  • Seek for clarity instead of trying to convince yourself of what others are thinking
  • Refrain from personalisation, not everything mentioned is a direct attack on you
  • Invest in self care
  • Set limits
  • Proper nutrition
  • Connect with people

We often here people expressing how stressed they are feeling or how over worked they are, not having enough time to do the things they like such as spending time with friend and families or even a few self-care activities. We have watch families suffer due to long working hours as well as our jobs due to loss of interest and enthusiasm resulting from burnout. 

When workers are balanced and happy, they are more productive, take fewer sick days, and are more likely to stay in their jobs.

Here is how you can accomplish work life balance

At work    

  • Set manageable goals each day. 
  • Be efficient with your time at work. 
  • Take five. 
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Give yourself a break. 

         At Home

  • Don’t over commit. 
  • Get support. 
  • Stay active. 
  • Treat your body right. 
  • Get help if you need it. 

Tameca Dempster-Mattocks is an accomplished Associate Counseling Psychologist and Financial Counsellor, holding an M.Sc. Degree in Counselling and Social Work from Mico University College, along with multiple certifications in mental health from the University of Washington.

 

Currently, she holds the positions of Regional Psychologist – NERHA and Mental Health Program Coordinator at the Caribbean Training & Education Center for Health (C-TECH). Tameca has successfully managed regional mental health projects, overseeing and leading impactful initiatives that positively influence the mental well-being of individuals in the region. 

 

With a passion for community service, Tameca actively contributes to various private and charitable organizations, dedicating her time as a volunteer to support community members and at-risk youth.

Contact us for mental health support services