Some 31 workers are now better equipped to provide care for individuals in infirmaries and golden age homes diagnosed with mental disorders.

The training for the workers was facilitated by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, in partnership with the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, under the Psychiatric Nurses’ Aides (PNA) Training programme.

This initiative was designed to align with the strategic objectives of both the Ministry of Health and Wellness’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programme and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development (Board of Supervision), which is to strengthen workers’ skills in social agencies that support individuals facing mental health challenges, such as the infirmaries and the Golden Age Homes.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for the workers, held on Friday, March 14, at the Summit in New Kingston, Portfolio Minister Desmond McKenzie said there must be a different approach in how persons are treated, when they are in the care of the state.

“The quality of patient care has improved significantly over the last couple of years, so it shows the kind of commitment, not just by speaking about being committed, but demonstrating that willingness to dirty your hands, to mix and mingle, and to offer the kind of service that is required in the country,” McKenzie said.

The minister informed that the poor relief programmes are being expanded, with the opening of a new facility in Portland shortly, and the expansion of the transitional centre at King Street, in Kingston, which is almost 90 per cent complete.

McKenzie pointed out that the partnership with the Ministry of Health is far reaching.

“I think [this] speaks volume to the vision of any caring Government, because we must never lose sight of the persons who we are going to be offering the services…they didn’t call it down on themselves,” McKenzie said.

He stressed that anyone caught abusing any resident will “face the full extent of what the law has to give”.

“I have no doubt, graduates, that you will not only rise above your expectations, but you will be that vessel, that disciple for more Jamaicans like you to become a part of this new revolution to deal with the problems of mental health. We will never be able to find enough money and to find enough individuals, but the little that we do will go a far way in reducing the problems we face,” the minister said.

The PNA programme equips participants to provide care for those diagnosed with mental disorders, promoting their mental well-being and helping them achieve optimal functioning.

The programme commenced in September and ran for a total of four months and one week, amounting to 640 hours. The training included both theoretical and practical aspects of mental health care.