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---Press Release- Monday, 02 June 2008 Belizeans join forces with u.S citizens-- in daring to care for the mentally ill Over a dozen Psychiatry textbooks were delivered last week to Dr. Claudina Cayetano, Belize’s Director of Mental Health Programs. (See attached photo, standing on Left). These books will be used by Psychiatric Nurse Practioners --as well as patients --around the country, to update themselves on the most recent advances in the field. The books are a product of Belizeans and their U.S counterparts joining forces to help other Belizeans. Belizeans along with US citizens held a get together early last month, in Houston, to assist the Belmopan Mental Health Consumer Association BMHCA. Under the Direction of Licensed Professional Counsellor, Mr. Adrian Yam, the Hosting Committee and the Honorary Consul in Houston, the event was successfully held with the participation of some thirty eight persons. Participants included those working in the social services and psychological areas. Thanking those in attendance, after the event, main sponsor Adrian Yam said, “The World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH) and the United Nations (UN), in its Declaration of Human Rights, make it clear that respect for human rights and self expression permits the realization of individual potential.” He also stated that “Significantly, the 21st Century begins with a focus on the prevention of mental illness and fostering the well-being and rights of people defined as mentally ill.” The BMHCA was formed in 2005. The NGO has successfully lobbied the Government of Belize for access to more modern medications. These novel second generation anti psychotic medications continue to be dispensed, free of cost, to mental patients around the country. Previous to 2005, mental patients were being given old drugs, which brought with them terrible side effects. BMHCA also received last week $1,702.00 from Arian Yam and Associates. It will now be possible to maintain a Web Site Domain for the BMHCA. (http://bmhca.awardspace.com/) and undertake needed projects for the organization. For more information, please, contact Adrian Yam, LPCSenior Family and Community Partnerships CoordinatorNeighborhood Centers Inc.Lifting Hearts. Building Futures.P. 001-713-273-3199F. 001-713-273-3130www.neighborhood-centers.org 
The community In Houston, U.S.A, recently held a get together to bring attention to Advocasy for Mental Health to all Belizeans.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Saint Johns College wins Mental Health Debate By Mental Health Association On Friday October 10, 2008 the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts rocked to the cheers of students as a team from St. Catherine Academy debated another from St. John’s College on the motion: Be it resolved that there should be mandatory removal of homeless and mentally ill people from the streets of Belize City. Kryston Hulse and Antonio Matus of SJC, won the coin toss, and chose to argue against the resolution based on human rights arguments and the availability of voluntary services. Two students from SCA cited safety and public image issues in support of the resolution. Both teams used economic arguments in support of their positions. All the students had obviously prepared their arguments well and made excellent presentations of their positions as well as rebutting the arguments of the opposing team. Ms. Jane Bennett, resident tutor of the University of the West Indies, and Mrs. Clair Hill, from the Department of Women’s Affairs, judged the teams on their performance, taking into account their stage presence, fluency of delivery and the level of arguments made. They were unanimous in awarding the victory to the boys of SJC and chose Kryston Hulse as the best debater for the event for which he won a cell phone donated by Smart. Students were awarded for their efforts. All students will receive a cash prize of $50.00 and a certificate while each member of the winning team also walked away with a trip donated by Discovery Expeditions. The schools will receive a mahogany plaque donated by Neon Plastics in recognition of their work in preparing the students. Thanks are also due to Love FM for airing the debate live and for Price & Company, Tropical Gaming and Atlantic Bank who made this possible through their advertising. Marleni Cuellar in her role as Mistress of Ceremonies kept the event moving smoothly while David Leacock, CEO in the Ministry of Education laid out the rules as Moderator of the debate. Dr. Claudina Cayetano also brought greetings from the Ministry of Health and the Mental Health Unit. The Mental Health Association wishes to express thanks to NICH for the use of the Bliss Centre and to everyone else who made the debate possible. We hope that the debate will serve to inform and educate the public and young people in particular on mental health issues in Belize. Here are some recommendations: · Plan your day. Break difficult tasks into smaller parts. Give yourself credit for the small things you get done.· Do something pleasurable each day, eg. Read a book, smell the roses, take a walk on the beach, play your favourite music.· Get some exercise if you can. If you find it hard to raise enough energy to exercise, at lease take some breaths of fresh air. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mental Health Consumer Association has been attempting, since last year, to make an appointment with the current Minister of Health Pablo Marin. *************************************************************************************************************** June 7, 2008 The Belmopan Mental Health Consumer Association would like to thank the Mental Health Association MHA for their financial support towards our Annual General Meeting. A special thanks to Ms. Cathy Esquivel for making this contribution possible. The MHA, formerly known as the Mental Health Advisory Board, is a registered NGO and is a strong advocate for patients with mental disorders. It was instrumental in the construction of the Acute Psychiatric Unit and the decriminalisation of attempted suicide. Among other initiatives, it promotes the observation of World Mental Health Day. ( Mental Health Policy 2008) Objectives of the MHA To serve as an advisory board to the Ministry of Health on issues related to mental health. To serve as a national advocate for patients and their families. To promote public awareness and education on the nature and treatment of mental illness and positive steps to improve mental health. To undertake specific initiatives related to the implementation of the Community Mental Health Project and the wider Mental Health Programmes. To recommend, through the Ministry of Health, changes in the National Policy pertinent to improving mental health. 
The Board of the Mental Health Association in a 2008 Session **************************************************************************************************************** |
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