Gov’t signs deal to improve mental health

Peebles Hospital is the territory’s main healthcare facility. Photo Credit: BVIHSA

As the territory rebuilds its resiliency, the mental well-being of residents during or after any disaster will be given a greater focus for the next year-and-a-half.

The government has signed an agreement with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to undertake an 18-month programme to fortify the territory’s ability to cope with trauma associated with a natural disaster, as well as its disaster management capabilities.

During that time, emergency action plans will be developed on the community level and, upon completion, PAHO will monitor and evaluate the impact of the programme.

This programme is part of the terms of the $65 million Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan project.

The government said it remains focused in its quest to rebuild the territory following the catastrophic weather events in 2017, stronger, smarter, greener and better.

Following the hurricanes, there were many deaths associated with the impact of the disaster and their inability to cope with their losses.

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