Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the deployment of 26 bilingual health professionals to Puerto Rico.
The Island was hit by a series of earthquakes that occurred nearly every day for several weeks. The quakes have left thousands of people displaced and many are fearful of returning to their homes.
Natural disasters of this magnitude can greatly affect a survivor’s mental health. It is common for mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder to develop after such events.
In response to the great need for mental health support in Puerto Rico, the MediSys Health Network delegated six employees from Jamaica Hospital’s Mental Health Department to serve on a team deployed by the Greater New York Hospital Association(GNYHA). Dedicating their time and expertise to this mission are Attilio Rizzo, Jr., Director, Psychiatric Social Work (Administrative Team Lead); Martha Edelman, M.D., Psychiatrist (Clinical Team Lead); Frank Lopes, Social Worker; Denise Osorto, Psychotherapist; Alberto Palomino, Clinical Manager and Jennifer Santos, Psychologist.
The MediSys Health Network team members were invited to attend a special press conference coordinated by the office of Governor Cuomo during which he shared the objectives of the GNYHA deployment to Puerto Rico. According to the Governor, “Mental health professionals will be integrated into the work of the Puerto Rican Mental Health Agency- the Mental Services Administration Health and Addiction- and deploy to shelters in Guanica, Guayanilla and Ponce.” The collective goal is to address the long-term mental health issues that can affect residents, especially children.
Jamaica Hospital’s mental health team departed for Puerto Rico on Monday, February 3rd and is scheduled to return on Monday, February 10th. “Our team is proud to serve on this mission and hope that by supporting the victims, we can help them to recover from these traumatic events and rebuild their lives” shared Anthony Maffia, Jamaica Hospital’s Vice President of Psychiatry.