St Elizabeth Health Dept expands mental health services

20 Sep 2024, 05:08 · The Gleaner

The St Elizabeth Health Department has significantly expanded its mental health services, particularly counselling, in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

Medical Officer of Health, St Elizabeth Health Department, Dr Tonia Dawkins-Beharie, while addressing a Disaster Forum at the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation in Black River earlier this month, noted that the enhanced service is focused on supporting families affected by the “traumatic event”.

“We have ramped up our counselling service in the South, particularly at the Diabetic Association of Jamaica in Pedro Plains,” said Dr Dawkins-Beharie.

“Every Tuesday we have a psychologist there where people can come, because we understand how traumatic the experience was and the impact it will have on our citizens,” she added.

Counselling and other mental health services are provided every Thursday at Kinkead Plaza, in Southfield, and Black River, to ensure residents have access, said Dr Dawkins-Beharie.

Headlines Delivered to Your Inbox

Meanwhile, in response to the hurricane, which caused significant damage to health facilities, particularly in Southfield, the Department has relocated services to other sites.

Among these are Kinkead Plaza, Williamsfield Community Centre, and Barbary Hall Community Centre.

Dr Dawkins-Beharie said that these new locations now offer expanded services, including doctor’s consultations, which were previously limited to the Southfield Health Centre.

“So, a doctor visits those sites to see people with medical illnesses, whereas before Hurricane Beryl, we only had a doctor at Southfield Health Centre,” Dr Dawkins-Beharie explained.

“I am also happy to report that all our facilities had restoration of electricity and water supply. We have some that use rainwater catchment or tanks with water delivered, and those are up to par. So, right now, we’re offering our full suite of services,” she added.