National mental health outreach for post-hurricane trauma to be undertaken by Health Ministry – Tufton

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is to embark on an initiative to provide mental health support to persons affected psychologically by Hurricane Melissa, particularly those in parishes hit hard by the Category 5 storm.

Portfolio Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, speaking at a press conference at his ministry today, stated that the storm has caused widespread displacement in western parishes, which he said he saw first-hand during a tour of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and other areas as part of an assessment of the impact on health facilities.

Tufton stated that many residents have suffered damage to or total loss of their homes and personal belongings, calling the circumstances depressing.

He said these persons are going through a very hard time and that the nation must come together to give psychosocial support and comfort.

He said the experience of the hurricane has been traumatic for many persons, and that’s why the health ministry wants to be there for Jamaicans, stressing that citizens will need mental health support in the coming weeks and months.

Tufton said the ministry is collaborating with the Pan American Health Organization on the national outreach plan and that an expert from the entity, who is to arrive in the country on Monday, will help with putting it together.

The plan is to, among other things, establish a framework and principles for a mental health response following a disaster.

Tufton said the aim is to have support facilities at key locations as well as to undertake outreach in communities.

The health minister encouraged Jamaicans to reach out and support those affected by the hurricane.

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