Where We Work

The Caribbean Training and Education Center for Health (C-TECH) has been building strong partnerships across the health sector both locally and regionally for almost 20 years. C-TECH is active in over 5 countries in the Caribbean region and has a presence in over 50+ health centres in Jamaica.

In the Caribbean, C-TECH currently has a programmatic presence or outreach in the following countries:

  • Suriname
  • Barbados
  • Trinidad and Tobago

In Jamaica, we carry out programmes at the following treatment sites across the island:

OUR PROJECTS:

Project Title: “Development of Continuous Quality Improvement Strategy for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases”

Implementation Period: June 2022 – February 2023

Roles in the assignment: Lead Public Health Firm responsible for the overall development of the CQI Strategy for NCD and engagement of the stakeholders.

Results Overview: C-TECH successfully implemented this project with the following main objectives: (i) Ascertain the critical clinical, managerial, and information system support processes for caring for patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). (ii) Elaborate recommendations to streamline and improve the clinical, managerial, and information system support processes for NCD patient care. (iii) Develop a set of quality control (QC) indicators for NCD prevention and treatment in primary and secondary care settings. (iv) Identify the necessary actions to steer the organizational structure of healthcare services for continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Project Title: Facilitation of workshops addressing the delivery of Chronic Care Model components and their application across pilot sites within the Health Systems Strengthening Programme (HSSP)

Implementation Period: August 9, 2021 – October 2022

Roles in the assignment: Lead Health Education and Facilitation Firm responsibility for leading the development of all deliverables and engagement of the stakeholders

Result Overview:

Through the deliverables, C-TECH successfully empowered healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement the Chronic Care Model effectively. The evaluation and feedback process allowed for continuous improvement, ensuring the training program’s ongoing effectiveness. The long-term training and capacity plan will provide a roadmap for sustained improvement in chronic care management across the pilot sites and beyond.

Project Title: Technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in Trinidad, Suriname, Barbados, and Jamaica for health systems strengthening to improve access and quality of care for all PLHIV.

Implementation Period: September 2017-September 2020

Roles in the assignment: Caribbean Region Implementing Partner and main liaison with MOHs in the Caribbean region

Results Overview:

C-TECH has successfully delivered a range of activities aimed at improving the quality of care and systems for HIV treatment and care. They developed a comprehensive Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) framework, including the establishment of Quality of Care Indicators, to address obstacles related to linkage, retention in care, and virologic suppression for Key Populations (KPs) at high-volume sites. Rapid site assessments and desk reviews were conducted to assess the quality of care and identify systems issues affecting the HIV treatment cascade. Based on these assessments, strategies for designing, implementing, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) were developed at both the system and individual provider levels. C-TECH also facilitated multi-country stakeholder engagement to review and refine the CQI Framework, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. In addition, they conducted in-service training programs to build the capacity of treatment site teams in implementing CQI at the country level. Furthermore, C-TECH successfully organized annual Regional CQI Collaborative Meetings to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders. Through these activities, C-TECH has made significant strides in improving the quality of HIV treatment and care across multiple countries.

Project Title: Mental Health and Wellness Project to Support Healthcare Workers in the OECS.

Implementation Period: June 2022 to April 2023

Role in the assignment: Project Partner and Implementer

Results Overview:

Virtual delivery of mental health support services in nine countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands. Project activities included disseminating mental health and wellness communication materials, monthly self-care webinars for healthcare workers, and professional courses in Global Mental Health and Leadership and Management in health and access to therapeutic and counselling services.

Project Title: Technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in Trinidad, Suriname, Barbados, and Jamaica for health systems strengthening to improve access and quality of care for all PLHIV.

Implementation Period: September 2017-September 2020

Role in the assignment: Caribbean Region Implementing Partner and main liaison with MOHs in the Caribbean region

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

Telephone #: 8764161449

Email: wellness@ctech-caribbean.org