Port of Spain: On Wednesday 26th October the PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago Country Office joined with the Ministry of Health and the Eastern Regional Health Authority to commemorate the annual mental health awareness campaign, Paint De Town Green, at the Rio Claro/Mayaro Regional Corporation Car park.
Paint De Town Green is recognized every year in the month of October, which is also the same month as World Mental Health Day, as it is a day that promotes mental health awareness publicly and access to mental health and psychosocial support needs. It gives representatives of the Ministry of Health and other health agencies the opportunity to interact with the public on important mental health issues. Messages of anti-discrimination, support, togetherness and prioritizing mental health were conveyed at this event.
Dr. Erica Wheeler, PAHO/WHO Representative expressed gratitude as she stated in her opening remarks, “The PAHO is indeed happy to be able to partner once again with the Ministry of Health to pause and acknowledge the importance of protecting, safeguarding and caring for our mental health.” Other featured speakers included, Mr. Ronald Tsoi-A-Fatt, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Dr. Hazel Othello, Director, Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health and a testimony was given by Mr. Hassel Mc Knight.
Persons seeking help with their mental health or that of a love one can contact:
Lifeline: 800-5588
ChildLine: 800-4321
Families in Action: 628-2333
Also, be sure to check out the #DoYourShare mental health stigma reduction campaign for more information: https://www.paho.org/en/campaigns/do-your-share
