Psychiatric Nursing Aides Association to host conference in Montego Bay

The Psychiatric Nursing Aides Association will stage its second annual conference at the Riu Hotel and Resort in Montego Bay from June 26 to 28.

Minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Arnaldo Brown, is expected to give the keynote address on Thursday, June 27, under the theme 'Psychiatric Nursing Aides Bridging the Gap Between Mental Health and Communities'.

Psychiatric nursing aides have been integral to the development of mental health services since 1972. They are a part of the Ministry of Health's mental-health team, which provides care to persons who are mentally challenged, routinely and during emergencies.

Last year, mental health aides contributed significantly to the well-being of 109,854 persons who were seen and treated by the Ministry of Health's mental health team.

The association has an annual outreach programme through which its members also give voluntary help and present gifts to nursing homes, children's homes and infirmaries.

Psychiatric nursing aides are a part of the Ministry of Health's mental health team, which provides care to persons who are mentally challenged, routinely and during emergencies.