Santo Domingo.– The Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, reported this Saturday that the humanitarian mission sent by the Dominican Republic to Venezuela includes a team specialized in mental health, with the purpose of providing psychological and psychiatric support to the people affected by the earthquake that devastated several areas of that country.
The statements were made at the Las Américas International Airport (AILA), moments before the takeoff of an Arajet flight bound for Maiquetía, which transported medical personnel, rescuers, journalists, and humanitarian aid as part of the Dominican Government’s response to the emergency.
When asked about the need for mental health specialists following the tragedy, Atallah explained that the Dominican delegation was formed taking that need into account.
“We carry a mental health team within our mission. It is a team specifically formed to provide psychological and psychiatric support to the affected people,” the official expressed.
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The minister indicated that, once in Venezuelan territory, the Dominican delegation will work in a coordinated manner with the international organizations present in the area to strengthen assistance to the victims.
“We are going to meet with all the international organizations and we are going to coordinate the actions between each of them, but we are also bringing a mental health team to provide that support,” he noted.
The Dominican mission departed this Saturday morning from Santo Domingo bound for Maiquetía, La Guaira state, also carrying a field hospital, specialized medical personnel, rescuers, and supplies intended to reinforce assistance efforts following the earthquake recorded on June 24.
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The deployment of psychology and psychiatry professionals is part of the Dominican Government’s strategy to offer comprehensive care to victims, considering the emotional impact that a large-scale disaster usually leaves, in addition to immediate medical needs.
