Gov't Offers Mental Health Services for Guangfu Recovery Workers, Volunteers

TaiwanPlus News

Taiwan's health ministry is offering free mental health counseling for those helping with recovery efforts in Guangfu Township, where a devastating flood in late September killed 19 people. It's part of efforts to reduce the emotional toll on volunteers and those in the community affected by the disaster.

Transcript

00:00After weeks of working tirelessly, shoveling mud and clearing away debris,

00:08people in this part of eastern Taiwan are feeling the effects.

00:12Since September, rescue workers have been joined by volunteers from across the country

00:16to help with recovery work in Guangfu Township.

00:19That's after a nearby natural dam burst, flooding the area and killing 19 people.

00:24Now the health ministry is trying to help these good Samaritans,

00:27giving them three free mental health counseling sessions over the next year.

00:48Rescue workers are urged to seek help if they notice changes in their habits and behaviors.

00:53Over 600 clinics across the country have joined the program,

00:56which will run through next October.

01:09The health ministry has set aside $650,000 to help with relief efforts,

01:15including mental health services for displaced survivors.

01:19As rescue workers seek to rebuild Guangfu,

01:21they're also encouraged to check in on themselves,

01:24as officials try to minimize the physical and mental tolls on everyone affected by the disaster.

01:30Klein Wang and Tiffany Wang for Taiwan Plus.

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