Education Ministry mobilises mental health team to support teachers affected by Hurricane Melissa

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon, has announced that the Ministry has mobilised a team of more than 30 psychiatrists and psychologists to support teachers and other members of the education system experiencing trauma as a result of Hurricane Melissa.

The announcement follows concern raised by Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) President, Mark Malabver, who reported that educators and administrators are grappling with trauma in the hurricane's aftermath.

Speaking during a special press briefing on Hurricane Melissa recovery at Jamaica House on Monday (November 3), Senator Morris Dixon affirmed that the Ministry has "a system in place for those who need help".

"The Ministry of Education pays for that. This is not something new... this is something we've had for a while. So, we say we already have these avenues available, and we want our teachers to make use of them," the Minister stated.

She noted that many Jamaicans, including front-line service personnel such as police officers and healthcare workers, are experiencing trauma and will require psychological support.

"I saw a police officer yesterday... she worked all the way through the hurricane and is still working... she hasn't taken a day off. She was talking about how much pain she's feeling but she has to continue. I heard that, too, from the nurses that worked through the hurricane, and under very difficult circumstances. We have to support everybody. Everybody's going through that mental strain, and I'm very happy that my Ministry is leading the way in a programme that is very accessible to all of our teachers free of cost," Dr Morris Dixon informed.

She indicated that support from the Ministry is also available to parents and school-aged children.

"Children feel the trauma too, and so it's available to them. We also have to remember some people won't feel the trauma until three months' time or six months' time. They may not be feeling it right now, and so we have that system available," Dr. Morris Dixon said.

- JIS

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