Nassau, 15 August 2023 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Country Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands and the Ministry of Health and Wellness hosted a Mental Health Crisis Intervention Training and Protocol Development. From July 24- August 2, 2023, this collaborative effort between law enforcement and mental health providers encouraged positive outcomes regarding potential interactions with people with mental health challenges. The training exposed trainers from the uniformed branches to strategies and tools to effectively sensitize enrolled and new officers with mechanisms that deescalate incidents involving mental health crises and provide a platform to address any concerns that may arise among the ranks regarding knowledge and attitudes about mental illness.
The interactive training was timely and well received by all participants. Representatives from The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, The Royal Bahamas Police Force, The Bahamas Customs and Excise Department, The Bahamas Department of Immigration, and The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services engaged in various methodologies to reduce the potential of miscommunication and violence that can occur when interacting with persons during an emotional and mental heal crisis. To ensure the safe and equitable treatment for all persons involved, and the community at large, such trainings and policies are important to mitigate and de-escalate crisis with the appropriate resources.
