SWRHA launches new Mental Health Initiatives
On May 6th, 2019, the South-West Regional Health Authority’s Psychiatry Department launched two new initiatives aimed at raising the level of awareness about mental health issues among the population within SWRHA’s catchment area.
The first initiative involves an outreach to all Antenatal Clinics at SFTH (Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department), the DHFs and the thirty one Health Centres throughout SWRHA where Postpartum Depression will be discussed.
The second initiative is in collaboration with the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) where monthly lectures on mental health will be held at the seven Libraries in the South Region located at San Fernando, Couva, Princes Town, Siparia, Point Fortin, Moruga and Debe.
The lectures will be held from 10.00 a.m. – 12 noon. The schedule for the month of May, 2019 is as follows:
Debe – Thursday 9th
Princes Town – Monday 13th
Point Fortin – Wednesday 15th
Siparia – Wednesday 22nd
Moruga – Thursday 23rd
Couva – Wednesday 29th
Mr. Keith McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of SWRHA was on hand to lend his support to these initiatives. He indicated that the South-West Regional Health Authority had made substantial efforts to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness through education and promotion. He noted that the organisation had made significant progress in the delivery of mental healthcare to the population within SWRHA’s boundaries. According to the CEO, the thrust is to move away from the institutional model to a community based one where the focus is on providing mental healthcare in the community.