World Health Day

“The World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated World Health Day on Tuesday.

The theme this year is Save Lives. Make hospitals safe in emergencies. Those who face the added challenges and stresses of mental illness can be even more affected by emergencies than others. Focusing on making the health care system safe during emergencies can go a long way in helping to lessen the effects of emergency situations on the mentally ill and will certainly help to promote mental health.

WHO defines mental health as, “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his own community.” To promote World Health Day 2009, WHO is calling for the investment in a health infrastructure that can withstand hazard and serve those in need during a disaster or other immediate need.

This will require focusing on making sure the already fragile health care systems are able to function in a disaster as well as be able to ensure the safety of health care workers as well as consumers while meeting the needs of the public. In promoting a safe environment in emergencies, the mental health of all will be promoted as well.”