#NASSAU, Bahamas —February 26, 2020 — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) partnered with the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Bahamas Psychological Association (BPA) and the Healthy Bahamas Coalition (HBC) to host a media forum under the theme “Are we depressed? Telling stories of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Disasters through Bahamian media” at the University of The Bahamas, Monday, February 24, 2020.
The purpose of the media forum was to provide media journalists with the background of what is mental health psychosocial support (MHPSS), its application in disaster situations and the national MHPSS response before, during and after hurricane Dorian.
The background should inform the media’s development of stories about mental health services that were provided, and continue to be available, to help affected persons better cope with the psychological impact of the disaster. Additionally, the forum endeavoured to raise awareness, and reduce stigma in seeking mental health assistance.