After two earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.7 and 7.6 in Kahramanmaraş, the epicenter of the earthquake, the psychosocial support teams and volunteers of Kızılay continue their psychological first aid work for the citizens affected by the earthquake.
Red Crescent, which works with psychologists, pdr specialists and social workers in the field to reduce the traumatic effects of the earthquake from the first moment of the disaster, makes great efforts to heal the wounds of the disaster victims with its psychological first aid service.
Psychosocial team of 53 people consisting of psychologists, clinical psychologists, psychological counseling and guidance specialists and social workers; While supporting the needs assessment, support for basic needs, distribution of nutrition and aid materials in the earthquake-affected areas, they provide psychological first aid to earthquake victims against mental traumas. The teams that work to reduce the effects of trauma by interviewing children and adults carry out activities to reduce earthquake stress and trauma of children and carry out improvement studies according to their skills. The teams, which also started to set up psychosocial support tents, carry out their work in coordination with the Ministry of Family and the Ministry of Health.
Over 5 Thousand Volunteer Mental Health Specialists Applied
To date, there are over 5 thousand volunteer mental health professionals who have applied to the Red Crescent. Volunteer experts plan to organize online and face-to-face therapies and information trainings for disaster victims who go to other provinces from the earthquake area.
Playgrounds, playgrounds, toys, coloring materials and children’s storybooks are needed to reduce the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, especially in children. Our charitable citizens who want to donate can find out what is most needed in the region and distribution points by accessing the website www.kizilay.org.tr or 168 call centers. They can also donate 20 TL by writing EARTHQUAKE and sending an SMS to 2868.
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
