The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will launch a regional communications campaign on Psychological First Aid to assist persons to better cope with the trauma of natural disasters.
Under the theme Stronger Together, the campaign will offer information and strategies to assist communities in the region to better cope with the psychological impact of adverse events before, during and after a disaster situation.
The campaign also aims to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health and psychosocial support, and includes a jingle, illustrated booklet, as well as radio and video public service announcements, which will be disseminated through local and regional Caribbean platforms, as well as via partner social media channels.
The launch will be held at the PAHO Sub-regional Office in Dayrells and Navy Road, Christ Church, on Wednesday, July 10, at 9:30 a.m.
Speakers will include Barbados’ Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col Jeffrey Bostic; Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, Col. Glyne Grannum; Vice President, Operations, CDB, Monica La Bennet; and Chief Medical Officer, Virgin Islands, Dr. Irad Potter.
For more information on mental health and psychosocial support in a disaster, persons may click here.