DOH mulls programs vs disaster trauma

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 11  -- The Department of Health’s (DOH) office here is pushing for programs that will help children prepare for traumatic experiences after extreme natural disasters.

Recognizing that disturbing experiences during Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 keep coming back to the minds of survivors every storm season, DOH-Eastern Visayas director Minerva Molon on Thursday stressed the need to prepare the youth for future calamities.

The move is necessary considering that the region is vulnerable to strong typhoons due to its geographic location facing the Pacific Ocean in the eastern portion, as well as earthquakes because it is also within the Pacific Ring of Fire.

“The trauma will keep coming until such time that people accept the reality of climate change. If people are prepared, the negative behavior will be turned into a positive trait,” said Molon, who recently attended a training course on mental health of children during disasters.

The health department had initial talks with the Department of Education and a group of pediatricians on how to carry out the mental health program for children.
After the super typhoon, the DOH trained the physicians and nurses in local health centers to enable them to provide mental health first aid and psychological first aid in the communities.

The magnitude of disasters, according to the health department, caused different levels of psychological problems among survivors, some of whom were found mindlessly roaming the streets. (SQM/PNA)