About Us
Our Vision
Jamaican Lives Better, Inc. (JLB) envisions a world where all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have equal access to quality healthcare and educational opportunities. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers that limit access to essential services in underserved communities. Our vision is to foster a society where healthcare is accessible, education is attainable, and every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy, empowered life. We believe that by uplifting these communities through sustained support and collaboration, we can create a future where disparities in health and education are eradicated, empowering generations to achieve their full potential.
Our Mission
Our mission at Jamaican Lives Better (JLB) is to empower underserved communities by providing essential access to healthcare, education, and vital resources. We strive to improve the well-being and educational opportunities for individuals in these communities, creating pathways toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Through targeted fundraising initiatives, strategic partnerships, and community-driven support, JLB works to bridge gaps in medical and educational services, ensuring that those in need have the tools and resources necessary to thrive. Our commitment extends beyond immediate aid, as we aim to foster long-term growth, self-sufficiency, and resilience in the communities we serve.
Our Impact and Partnerships
JLB collaborates with community-based providers to enhance funding, advocacy, and medical support in the regions we serve. A key partnership is with the St. James Jamaica Medical Mission—a humanitarian mission that has been supporting Port Maria, Jamaica, and neighboring communities for over 34 years.
The mission’s highlights include:
- A 4-day annual multi-specialty clinic in Port Maria offering services in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Optometry, Dentistry, and Pharmacy.
- Support for the learning environment at Albion Mountain Primary School.
In November 2019, JLB organized its first fundraiser, which successfully contributed to the early 2020 St. James Jamaica Medical Mission. Despite the pandemic’s challenges, JLB continued to impact the Port Maria community. In March 2022, we launched "Giving Day for Albion," which provided Albion Mountain Primary School with laptops, projectors, and other essential technology, enhancing their music and education programs.
Tania Barnett, PharmD – Founder & Visionary
Dr. Tania Barnett is the founder and driving force behind Jamaican Lives Better (JLB). Since 2016, she has dedicated herself to medical missionary work, serving as a pharmacist for the St. James Jamaica Medical Mission team in St. Mary, Jamaica. Her passion for mission work inspired her to establish Jamaican Lives Better in February 2022, creating a platform to expand her commitment to underserved communities.
Dr. Barnett resides in New York City, where she serves as a clinical pharmacist at a prominent medical center. Born and raised in Long Island, NY, she attended Boston College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Operations & Technology Management. After several years in corporate America, she pursued her calling in healthcare, achieving a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Rhode Island.
Serena Barnett, JD - Board Member
Serena Barnett is an attorney and employee‑relations leader whose work centers on strengthening culture, trust, and clarity in how organizations care for their people. Since 2009, she has focused on strategy and systems—advancing investigation practices, performance frameworks, and practical policies that help leaders address complex situations with both rigor and empathy. Her commitment to mission‑driven work led her to nonprofit board service, where she brings a balanced lens to experience and organizational needs.
Born and raised in California, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine and a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School.