UG, JetBlue collaborate to host Wellness Expo on mental health

Aiming to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, JetBlue African Diaspora Experience (JADE) and Blue Abilities, in collaboration with the University of Guyana (UG), on Friday hosted a Wellness Expo themed “Balancing Emotional, Physical and Financial Health.”
This one-day affair was held at UG’s Turkeyen Campus and allowed persons to take advantage of free health screening, communicate with counsellors onsite, witness a fitness demo and sample some healthy food options.
During the event’s opening ceremony, JetBlue JADE’s Co-chair, Kelly-Marie Mingo noted that this initiative falls in line with the airline’s continuous goal of inspiring humanity.
“JADE, JetBlue’s African Diaspora Experience, was founded in 2017 to inspire and support our crew members from the African diaspora. Through programmes like these, we are able to touch not only our crew members but our customers as well,” Mingo said.
“In partnership with other groups like Blue Abilities, we’re able to bring thoughtful programming in the mental health arena.  We’re very happy to be here on the ground in Guyana,” Mingo said.

Suicide prevention

During a short video presentation by JetBlue JADE during the expo’s opening, the team highlighted the importance of properly addressing mental health concerns, noting that mental health conditions are largely widespread, untreated and under-resourced.
Notably, one in eight persons live with a mental health condition, 71 per cent of people with psychosis do not receive mental health services, and only two per cent of health budgets, on average, go to mental health.
In moves to increase public knowledge of how to aid those in need, the video shared information on suicide warning signs.
These include drastic changes in mood or behaviour, frequently talking about death, having a sense of hopelessness, substance abuse, depicting aggressiveness or irritability, giving things away and making funeral arrangements.
To that end, the video added useful guidelines on how to approach someone who may need assistance–choosing a time and place to speak privately, having a calm conversation and sharing reasons for concerns.
Persons initiating these conversations are advised to avoid being judgmental or immediately problem-solve and try to change the other’s mood, and instead be patient, listen compassionately and give their full attention.
When asking questions, the recommended approach is to use clear, precise language like “Are you thinking about suicide?” instead of vague language like “You’re not going to do anything crazy, are you?”
For further professional assistance, those in need are encouraged to call the helplines: 223-0001, 223-009, 600-7896, and 623-4444.
Additional resources include the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s hotline 914 and the Health Ministry’s Mental Health Unit hotline at 655-SAFE (7233), 266-1407 or 226-7400.

National and regional response
With Guyana recording one of the highest suicide rates in the world, the National Assembly last November passed the Suicide Prevention Bill 2022 in a move to decriminalise suicide and provide measures to fight against its high occurrence.
As such, the Bill speaks to the provision of suicide prevention services and support to survivors of suicide, persons with suicidal ideations and those who have lost loved ones to suicide.
Meanwhile, the Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) recently approved a new regional strategy aimed at improving mental health and suicide prevention in the Americas and mobilising resources to respond to the demand for care.
The new strategy responds to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the increased prevalence of mental health problems and related disruptions in essential services.
The Strategy for Improving Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the Region of the Americas will guide PAHO Member States in their efforts through an equity- and rights-based approach to mental health care, taking into account the national context, needs and priorities.