The original article can be found in: The Bahamas Weekly By Valeria Burrows
Freeport, Grand Bahama – World Mental Health Day will be observed on Thursday, October 10th, 2013. Each year the World Health Organization (WHO) joins in celebrating World Mental Health Day. According to the World Health Organization, the day is celebrated as the initiative of the World Federation of Mental Health and WHO supports this initiative through raising awareness on mental health issues using its strong relationships with the Ministries of Health and civil society organizations across the globe. WHO also develops technical and communication material and provides technical assistance to the countries for advocacy campaigns around the World Mental Health Day.
The theme of World Mental Health Day this year is “Mental Health and Older Adults.” Research reveals that “the number of older adults is growing fast all over the world” and “the socioeconomic impact of such demographic changes is adding to the overall mental health consequences.”
Once again, Grand Bahama Health Services will join in this observance in a continuous effort to raise awareness in mental health issues. To give some insight into these issues, Dr. J. Erwin Loquias, Primary Care/Geriatrician from Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida will make a presentation at a special luncheon on Thursday, October 10th, 2013 at 12:00 noon at the Ruby Swiss Restaurant, West Sunrise Highway, Freeport. The theme for the event is “Mental Health & Older Adults: Living above board in those golden years” and is sponsored by the Mental Health Team of Grand Bahama Health Services in conjunction with the Pilot Club of Lucaya. The presentation is expected to be informative and replete with much educational material relevant to mental illnesses and disorders in older persons.
During the luncheon, five senior citizens who consistently comply with treatment orders, attend the outpatients clinic regularly, and in essence, exemplify living above board in their golden years will be recognized and honoured
