The COVID pandemic continues to put immense pressure on Belize's public health infrastructure, like all the countries of the world.
Later on in the news, we'll share the latest COVID numbers from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. But, we turn now to news about a group of public health officials on the frontlines of that battle.
Over the last 19 months, The COVID Unit at the KHMH has had to take on some of the most challenging patients in the COVID ICU. That proximity to the number of patients, many of whom don't make it, has taxed their mental health. And so, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, and Mind Health Connect, are working to offer them mental wellness intervention.
It's called Phase 1 of the Employee Assistance (EAP) for the KHMH COVID Unit, and it was officially unveiled today at a ceremony in Belmopan. Here's what a few of the keynote speakers had to say about how the aid will work:
Christa Courtenay
"Mind Health Connect Belize is a non-profit organization comprised of a group of Belizeans who see the desperate need to more mental health resources to be made available for those who need it, not only those living with mental illness, but also those interested in the overall mental wellness of all Belizeans can be beneficiaries of these resources. Mind Health Connect took up the charge to put together this program to link those who needed professional mental health and social support to the qualified professionals in the field to provide such specialized support. To date, we have received confirmation from several mental health professionals who have agreed to participate in the counselling program for the covid unit personnel to the first phase of this project."
Chandra Nisbet-Cansino, CEO, KHMH
"The KHMH has been battling this pandemic for the past 19 months with a combination of medical skills, dedication and plain unbridled bravery and energy. The staff of the KHMH has had to mentally address the passing of patients daily, manage a hectic work load, work in adverse conditions with life threatening implications while administering the best of care and wearing the most restrictive personal protective equipment. They have had to remain mentally strong and positive for the patient that may have witnessed the person next to them passed away. All these things take a toll on the mind. The partnership allows our staff to access much needed healthcare, so that they can adequately give care. It emphasizes the importance of good mental health and stability in a world that is adjusting to new norms on a daily basis."
Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health and Wellness
"The covid 19 pandemic has brought tremendous challenges to our public health sector including the psychological toll this virus has brought upon out healthcare workers. Our frontline workers have been physically and emotionally strained. The launching of phase1 of the employee assistance program for personnel at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital covid19 unit could not have come at a better time."
The program will include assessments, short-term counseling, and referral services for employees and their immediate families. It is being jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children.
