Psychosocial Care Project
for people in flood affected areas
2019 - 2020
THE CHALLENGE
In the aftermath of the severe floods that hit Kerala in August 2018, Mehac Foundation and the National Health Mission joined forces to provide psychosocial care to people living in the flood-affected areas of the Ernakulam district. With backing from the Godrej Group, Mehac set out to strengthen mental health services in 5 of the district’s worst affected panchayats.
OUR WORK
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Clinics were opened in the areas of Malayattoor, Ezhikkara, Maalippuram, Varapuzha and Kalady to provide free psychiatric care to financially disadvantaged patients
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Home care visits were carried out by teams from Mehac and the District Mental Health Program (DMHP). The visits established rapport with the patients and caregivers and aided in the de-stigmatization of mental illness.
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Patients received free medication through Mehac's partnership with the DMHP
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Mehac's team provided psycho-social education to the patients and their caregivers during clinic and home visits
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Community volunteers were trained in mental health awareness as part of the project
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Rehabilitation and vocational training services were provided as required
IMPACT
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Strengthened mental health care in 5 panchayats
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415 patients received psychosocial care
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Conducted mental health awareness sessions for 5000+ constituents
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Trained 500+ community volunteers
PARTNERSHIPS
Godrej Group, National Health Mission (NHM, Ernakulam), District Mental Health Program (DMHP)