In the context of recent suicide increases in the district of Nickerie, the Ministry of Health, in particular the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Division at the Public Health Office (BOG), in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO ), from May 31 to June 2, a three-day Suicide Prevention training cared for in Nickerie.
The training was provided by clinical psychologist of the Ministry/BOG (Medical Educational Bureau) Mrs. M. Plein, supported by the mental health focal point of the Ministry, Mrs. S. Omanette and the National PAHO/WHO NCD and Mental Health Consultant, Dr. W. Emanuelson-Telgt, the Ministry of Health reported on Saturday, June 4.
The participants were primary care providers from the Regional Health Service, Mungra Medical Center, teachers and various so-called key persons such as counselors, social workers and care teachers, for the prevention and reduction of the suicide phenomenon in the district.
The training consisted of 7 modules including introduction to self-harm/suicide, self-harm/suicide questions, communication skills, self-harm/suicide assessment, counseling, follow-up and suicide prevention strategies.
Given the seriousness of the situation in Nickerie, a brainstorming session was held with the participants about the bottlenecks that come to the fore in Nickerie and the possible interventions that can be linked. The training was concluded with a test to obtain a certificate.
The training (translated into Dutch) can be followed online via the PAHO-virtual campus (Self learning courses), www.campusvirtualsp.org/en/courses/self-learning.
