DHR Mental Health Refresher Training in SVK 25-28 July 2022 – Photo by Pui USAID Okard
Mental health is key to our well being and an important issue around the world, including in Laos. That is why we are partnering with the Lao government to support mental health as part of our work with persons with disabilities.
From 25-28 July 2022, the USAID Okard project and the Department of Healthcare and Rehabilitation (DHR), Ministry of Health conducted a refresher workshop on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) with health professionals from four districts: Xayphouthong, Ardsaphungthong, Songkorn, Outhomphone and provincial hospital in Savannakhet Province. The refresher workshop focused on enhancing the participants’ compassionate communication skills and their ability to identify and provide initial counseling to rehabilitation service users with mental health, neurological, and substance abuse (MNS) conditions that require referral to a specialist. The training used the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Program, which aims at scaling up services for MNS patients.
USAID Okard, funded by USAID and implemented by World Education, Inc., in partnership with Humanity & Inclusion improves access to quality rehabilitation and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities, and supports design and implementation of disabilities inclusive policy.