The Ministry of Health and Wellness is prioritising healthy lifestyles and families with a $500 million dollar investment under the Community Arranged Response Effort (C.A.R.E.) Fund, a new initiative aimed at improving health outcomes across Jamaica.

The disclosure was made by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton, CD, MP during his 2026/27 Sectoral Presentation at Gordon House.

The C.A.R.E. Fund forms part of the Ministry’s broader policy agenda focused on addressing the social determinants of health and strengthening the role of families and communities in disease prevention and wellness promotion.

“Public health must go beyond hospitals and clinics. Strong families and engaged communities are essential to better health outcomes, particularly in preventing non-communicable diseases and supporting vulnerable populations,” said Minister Tufton.

The launch of the C.A.R.E. Fund comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social isolation, unhealthy lifestyles, mental illness, substance abuse, and weakened community structures on public health outcomes.

The Fund will be administered over a two-year period through the Ministry’s Enabling Environment in Health and Client Services Division, and will support projects led by Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs), and other civil society groups.

The programme will focus on initiatives designed to:

• Increase health-seeking behaviour;
• Strengthen family support systems for vulnerable populations, including older persons and persons with disabilities; and
• Promote prevention strategies for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the life course.

C.A.R.E Agenda

During his presentation, Minister Tufton highlighted the importance of strengthening social support systems as Jamaica responds to increasing rates of obesity, mental health challenges, chronic disease, and aging-related health concerns.

“At the centre of prevention must be the family and the community. If we strengthen these institutions, we strengthen the health and resilience of the nation,” the Minister added.

The Minister noted that the initiative is part of a wider C.A.R.E. Agenda which will examine a range of issues affecting Jamaican families and communities, including:

• Social media and children;
• Healthy aging;
• Menopause and andropause support systems;
• Community caregiving for older persons and persons with disabilities;
• Obesity prevention and Lifestyle Clinics;
• Fertility and responsible parenting;
• Period poverty and adolescent health;
• Jamaica Moves community wellness activities; and
• Mental health and substance abuse support.

The Ministry will also collaborate with the University of the West Indies for research to examine public perceptions of primary healthcare services and the impact of misinformation and social media on health behaviours, particularly among children.

The Ministry is expected to issue a national call for proposals on Monday, June 15, 2026, inviting organisations from across the island to apply for funding support.

The C.A.R.E. Fund represents a significant shift toward more community-driven, preventative and participatory healthcare strategies as Jamaica continues to modernise its public health system.