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Chicago-Area Woman Safely Home After Jamaica Stranding Without Transplant Medication

The episode highlights transplant patients’ risk from hurricane shutdowns, scarce flights, and limited access to critical drugs.

Overview

  • Trinette Britt-Johnson returned to the Chicago area Saturday night and was welcomed Sunday at a community event at the Rich Township offices.
  • Hurricane Melissa shut down Caribbean airports, leaving her stuck in Montego Bay and unable to access the immunosuppressants she needs after a 2024 kidney transplant.
  • Local hospitals in Jamaica could not provide the required medication, according to the coverage.
  • Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill helped secure medication and arrange a flight, enlisted the U.S. State Department, and appealed to President Donald Trump.
  • An NBC report said a doctor in Jamaica drove 300 miles to obtain the medicine, and Britt-Johnson described dangerously high blood pressure during the crisis.