H.E. Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal, Director-General of Emirates Health Services (EHS), attended the inauguration of the Mental Health Awareness Month events at EHS’ Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital. H.E. Dr. Essam Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of Medical Services at Emirates Health Services, led the opening ceremony which was organized by the hospital. The opening ceremony brought together a significant number of administrative and professional staff to shed light on the importance of the significance of mental health in individuals' lives and its role in promoting sustainable growth within communities.
EHS will host a series of events throughout the month of October including the celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, 2023. These initiatives are part of EHS’ efforts and goals to raise awareness about the importance of mental health promotion and to eradicate misconceptions regarding reaching out to specialized authorities and facilities when in need.
H.E. Dr. Essam Al Zarooni emphasized that in light of the importance of mental health and its growing role in shaping individuals’ and societies’ future, EHS is keen to continue its efforts aimed at providing the best practices in the fields of mental health and highlighting its great importance, therefore, launching Mental Health Awareness Month under the slogan “Together for Better Mental Health.” This initiative aims to enhance awareness of mental health disorders and reduce social stigma in line with The National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health.
H.E. Dr. Al Zarooni added “At EHS we are proud of adopting a modern health system based on the best standards and high-quality practices. EHS continuously seeks to anticipate the future and strengthen its position as a global destination for technological and scientific innovations in the health sector, based on its expertise, experiences, research and existing partnerships with renowned local and international organizations. This contributes to consolidating its position at the forefront of destinations that offer the best healthcare services and aligns with its aspirations and goals that are in line with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, and the National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health, leading to achieving the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071.”
Dr. Noor Al Mheiri, Director of the Mental Health Department at Emirates Health Services, explained that the inauguration of the Mental Health Awareness Month events embodies the EHS’ commitment to promoting mental health and raising community awareness of its positive effects on the well-being of society. In addition to strengthening its efforts to improve comprehensive and integrated mental health services for various individuals, which aligns with the government’s requirements, objectives and policies.
Dr. Al Mheiri appreciated and praised the efforts of all work teams, partners and organizers. She also stressed the necessity of joining efforts and teamwork to achieve the future vision of the UAE regarding developing mental health services, noting that EHS’ Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital is considered a living example that works to achieve the aspirations and visions of the leadership. This is shown through Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital’s provision of integrated and specialized care to those in need, as well as an environment that enables them to access mental health services available to everyone.
The ceremony also included a tour by H.E. Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal, which included both the Innovation Exhibition and the Patients’ Artwork Exhibition. H.E. Dr. Yousif Al Serkal also listened to an explanation given by Dr. Ammar Al Banna, Director of Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, about the “Hope” mural that was opened at the Hospital in cooperation with Zayed University female students.
Mental Health Awareness Month includes various accompanying events, activities and exhibitions, which include a number of workshops and awareness lectures. Additionally, an exhibition of modern technologies related to mental health was held, where an introduction to the Metaverse technology, psychotherapy with avatars, and “Moodology” application, and Sanad were showcased with the aim of informing participants about the mental health services provided by these advanced technologies.
The activities, which will continue throughout the month of October in a number of the EHS’ facilities, include various workshops. These include a workshop on integrating mental health services in primary health care centers in cooperation with the World Health Organization, a workshop on personality building and mental health, and a “Mind in Crisis” workshop for psychological emergency management in the medical environment as well as a workshop on how to reduce and relieve stress.
The activities also include a number of discussion sessions, lectures and awareness campaigns, including a discussion session for senior citizens with the inclusion of psychological tests and consultations, and a discussion session on managing emotions. The lectures included will revolve around mental health for senior citizens as well as an awareness lecture targeting the workers will be conducted in their language on how to maintain mental health. A ceremony with competitions and prizes will take place.
The month also witnesses the organization of an open day for employees, which includes awareness lectures, various sports activities, relaxation activities such as yoga, and a workshop to provide support to families of patients with schizophrenia, in addition to a large number of accompanying activities, sessions, lectures, and competitions.