The 2nd UPP Public Forum will Address Mental Health Outcomes of COVID-19 Trusted Experts will Provide Insights to Help Shape Future Policies

The United Progressive Party (UPP) continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing public education about COVID-19 prevention and protection to increase knowledge and help the public make more informed decisions, not just about their personal health, but the overall quality of life in their communities.

On Tuesday September 28th 2021, the UPP will stage its second virtual forum “Tackling COVID,” as part of a weekly 5-part public education series.

It will address  growing concerns about how COVID-19 has negatively impacted Mental Health and Wellness among many in our society and has created new barriers for persons who are already at risk.

Some of the reported negative impacts on mental health and well-being include symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, difficulty sleeping or eating, increased alcohol consumption or substance use and worsening chronic conditions, mostly due to worry and stress over isolation or job loss.

Among young adults, in particular who are already at high risk of poor mental health and substance use disorder, many do not have access to adequate diagnostic, treatment or support services.

Research shows that prolonged joblessness and lack of economic security can be associated with depression, anxiety, distress and low self-esteem and may lead to higher rates of substance use disorder and suicide.

 

Consistent with UPP’s ethos of public consultations, this national outreach initiative aims to increase knowledge and public trust.

A panel of local, regional and international mental health professionals will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on various groups in society and some of the growing challenges and reported symptoms that have been linked to poor mental health.

 

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Jacqui Quinn and will feature:

• Dr. Judith Josiah-Martin – Clinical Social Worker, Treatment Program Administrator, Researcher, Professor at the University of Maine
• Dr. Sharon Harvey – Psychiatrist, Associate Lecturer at UWI and Member of the Barbados Drug Formulary Committee
• Prof. Ivan Browne – Director of Public Health for the City of Leicester, England, Member of the National Health Service Committee in the UK and Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health at Montfort University
• Ms. Joy-Ann Harrigan – Trained Counselor and Psychotherapist and Education Officer, Special Education Needs in the Ministry of Education.

 

Throughout the pandemic, there has been a growing need for more targeted public education, services and support to address the specific needs of various sectors of society, as it relates to mental health and wellness. The UPP is confident that good policy choices that governments make today, can help chart a path that empowers citizens and residents to face future recovery with renewed hope, strength and confidence.

 

About Tackling COVID-19 Virtual Series Forums

This series of interactive virtual forums is hosted on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM and broadcast on Progressive Radio 107.3 FM and live streamed via the MYUPP Facebook Page.  Experts explore topics, innovative strategies and best practices that have been used locally, regionally and globally to address the impact of COVID-19 and the recovery process. The discussion ends with a guided Q & A session that is designed to field questions from the audience to address public concerns and information gaps.

 

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