FACTORY Manager Mario Kepple has expressed gratitude to Caribbean Training and Education Centre for Health (C-TECH) for support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I felt like I was reaching my breaking point and did not know where to turn,” said Kepple, while speaking recently about the impact that the pandemic had on his mental health, and counselling sessions offered then by C-TECH.

“I cannot thank C-TECH enough for their mental health and well-being programme,” said Kepple, one of the more than 860 individuals from 11 countries who benefited from webinars, the dissemination of communication materials, along with professional courses in leadership and well-being.

“I faced immense stress and pressure in my job, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The support provided by the C-TECH project has made a tremendous impact on my overall well-being and ability to cope with the challenges of being a factory manager,” said Kepple.

Crumbling under the combined weight of anxiety and depression due to an overwhelming workload and constant fear of contracting the virus, he realised that he needed help.

“That’s when I turned to the C-TECH mental health support programme. They provided me with counselling sessions and resources to manage my anxiety and depression,” he explained.

The work done by C-TECH during the pandemic builds upon years of support provided for those in need.

“Our organisation supports countries in successfully addressing health workforce and health systems challenges. We have been implementing innovative locally-driven health-care programmes in the Caribbean for the past 20 years, focusing on health systems strengthening, developing the health workforces, and strengthening the responses for people with non-communicable diseases,” said C-TECH executive director Dr Natalie Irving-Mattocks.

Both she and Kepple were speaking during a forum held recently at the Courtleigh hotel to honour health-care workers.

“This gathering is an opportunity for all of us to share our experiences and learn from each other as we continue to promote mental health in [the] health-care sector. At C-TECH, we aim to leverage vast knowledge and good practices to bolster sustainable workforces and health systems, improve health outcomes and to enhance health and well-being. We are committed to supporting the health workforce in delivering high-quality health care in their patients,” Irving-Mattocks said.

The mental health project is funded by the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), through the High Commission of Canada, and US funding agencies such as the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Canadian High Commissioner Emina Tudakovic commended C-TECH’s efforts in implementing the timely initiative.

“I would like to first congratulate the team of C-TECH for conceptualising and implementing such a well-needed project. I also recognise the partnership efforts that went into the design and implementation of the project. It was truly an honour to partner with C-TECH on collaborative actions in the health sector. And this is, indeed, an area of high demand and support, particularly arising from the COVID-19 pandemic,” the high commissioner stated.

“While many of us struggled with the new reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greater reality is that frontline workers had it worse. You didn’t have the same level of safety and security that those of us who could shelter at home did. And so the burden of responding to both your needs and the need of the community was great. Canada recognises the importance of supporting health-care workers during and after the crisis.

“The Government of Canada recognises that frontline and essential workers are at greater risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorders and remains committed to supporting you, both now and throughout the rest of the country’s and world’s recovery,” she emphasised.

High Commissioner Tudakovic also believes that the project was strategic.

“It’s our first year, actually, that we were able to apply for a regional project, so we thought it was really important to do something that was topical… so having something for mental health was really just a great opportunity. The project that C-TECH put forward was really comprehensive and well done. I think the depth and breadth of people that they managed to reach was really good.

“Canada continues to stand with the Government of Jamaica and the governments of the region and commits to working with local and regional organisations such as C-TECH to continue building the leadership and management capacity of health-care workers. I am also pleased to know that, from the project, frontline workers are more equipped to deal with common mental, emotional, and psychological concerns arising from daily encounters,” said the high commissioner.

She implored attendees to understand that, “You cannot serve from an empty vessel, so continue to practise self-care… and take care of yourself.”

Among those who supported that message was social worker Pettia Williams.

“As with most service professions in this country, mental healthcare is not readily or adequately available to workers. I am grateful that C-TECH has stepped in to respond to this need. The various topics explored were very instrumental to me gaining new perspectives and provided the opportunity for me to improve my coping skills and fortify my resilience. I feel more empowered to maintain a feasible work-life balance,” she told the gathering.

Technical specialist for social development at the Organisation for Eastern Caribbean States, Shahini Granvillis also hailed the project as a success.