FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie has sounded the alarm over what he describes as a growing and serious mental health crisis in a number of State-run infirmaries and drop-in facilities across Jamaica, warning that urgent action is needed to protect both residents and staff.

Speaking with reporters Thursday during a visit to the Trelawny Drop-in Centre in Falmouth, McKenzie said while that facility continues to provide critical support — including an average of 20 meals daily — the increasing number of users with mental health challenges is troubling.

“One of the things that is of concern to us — and speaking with the officer here about some of the challenges that she is having — is associated with some of the persons who come into the facility who have mental health issues. This is a serious problem that we are experiencing, and it is not only here in Trelawny that this matter has risen its ugly head,” the minister said.

To underscore the gravity of the situation he referenced an incident in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, where a staff member was injured.

“I saw two of them [residents] fighting. They are affected by mental health. The young man, if you can give him Pepsi Cola as often as you can, you keep him quiet. But if he can’t get the Pepsi, he becomes very violent. And there’s a case [where] one of the staff was struck by him on her breast. She had to seek medical attention,” McKenzie revealed.

While he noted that psychiatric services are already in place at some locations, he said more must be done as the need is great and widespread.

“Within our infirmaries right across the country, including the two golden age homes, there are persons in these facilities who are affected by mental health problems. We have psychiatric nurses assigned to all our infirmaries and some of our drop-in facilities. We only need to do some more,” said McKenzie.

He pointed out that any action taken must be guided by legislative constraints that limit administrators’ ability to separate individuals with mental health challenges from other residents.

“You can’t treat them as if they are not like ordinary people, so they have to be in with the same residents in the facilities,” McKenzie explained.

He said his ministry is now moving to confront the issue directly, with help from other ministries.

“We are working closely with the Ministry of Health around this issue. But I want to say that we have to be careful, because these persons who are affected, mental health-wise, can create serious problems,” he said.

McKenzie said he, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton and their respective teams will soon meet to discuss the way forward.

While emphasising the need to treat mentally ill individuals with compassion, the local government minister made it clear that safety remains paramount and that indiscipline will not be tolerated.

“I’m really serious when I say to the officer (Inspector of Poor Frances Brown) that if you have persons who are fighting and if the police come and speak to them and they continue, we have to put them out of the facility. People can’t say that I’m difficult when I say that, because people will have my head if somebody is badly injured by one of these persons. They are going to ask, ‘So why you have them in there?’” the minister argued.

“These facilities are operating under strict rules and regulations. The same rules that apply to the staff as to how your conduct is to be done, is the same thing that applies to those persons who come to the facility,” he added.

McKenzie pointed to the structured and supportive environment the Trelawny Drop-in Centre provides for the homeless and vulnerable.

“If you look at this facility, it is conducive; a good atmosphere. They have everything at their comfort — three meals a day, and there are times when we bring in counselling service into the facility to talk to them. And there are extra activities undertaken by the municipality and the Poor Relief Department,” he said.

“But I’m telling you, it’s a serious problem we face, and it’s something that we are going to have to deal with. The whole mental health issues in our institutions is getting out of control; [but] we are taking steps to prevent it,” he underscored.