Horace Dalley (left), Minister of Health, and Dr. Earl Wright, director of Mental Health Services, Ministry of Health, look at a poster at the launch of a new mental health promotions programme at the Terra Nova Hotel in St. Andrew yesterday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Shelly-Ann Thompson, Gleaner Writer

Health Minister Horace Dalley is dismissing suggestions that the country's emergency and health care services have been restricted solely to the use of Cricket World Cup personnel.

Mr. Dalley also told The Gleaner yesterday, during the launch of the mental health education and promotion programme at the Terra Nova Hotel in St. Andrew, that claims that hospitals and health centres in and around Sabina Park were closed are false.

"The Jamaican people are not suffering because we have dedicated so much of our health service for hosting the international event," the Health Minister said. "The people who are here can go to any hospital or health centre."

Mr. Dalley also said that, in addition, an ambulance and driver are posted 24 hours a day and seven days a week at the Jamaica Pegasus and Hilton Kingston hotels, New Kingston.

During the launch, the minister implored the gathering to "witness" and spread the word about mental health.

"I want us to develop a witness, similar to how the JehovahWitness spread their message, for mental health. "Persons with mental illnesses are not mad. It's a health condition that they have that must be treated, " Dalley said.

Decreasing stigma

Through a grant of $27.6 million, provided by the National Health Fund, the importance of maintaining good mental health is being promoted. The programme is also aimed at decreasing the level of stigma associated with the illness.

"Mental health in Jamaica has a lot of stigma and mystery attached to it and this prevents many individuals accessing effective treatment," said Dr. Earl Wright, director of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Unit.

The promotions programme will take the form of posters, brochures, mass media campaign and meetings across the island.

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For assistance regarding mental health please contact:

North East region - 972-2272

Southern region - 962-3370

Western region - 518-4108

South East region - 930-1152

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com