Rotary Clubs unite for Mental Health: Over 300 receive free screening and support in Kwesimintsim
In a collaborative effort, the Rotary Club of Takoradi-Anaji, in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Sekondi-Takoradi, Tarkwa, Cape Coast, Winneba, Kumasi, Ho, Akosombo-Dam City, Tema and the Rotaract Club of Takoradi, orchestrated an impactful mental health screening and awareness initiative in Kwesimintsim in the Western Region on Saturday, December 23, 2023.
Takoradi-Anaji Rotary President, Edwin Kofi Amanor in an exclusive interview with Beach FM, expressed Rotary’s commitment to mental health as a focal point this year. According to him, the initiative, aligned with the global concern over rising mental health issues, aimed to provide free mental health screenings and create awareness for the community.
“In Rotary, one of our areas of focus this year is Mental Health, and based on the rate of mental health issues that are rising Ghana and the world at large. Our Rotary President and R.I President, have put this initiative in place for all rotarians/Rotary Clubs to have this as part of our service project for the year.”
Edwin Kofi Amanor highlighted the choice of December, acknowledging the seasonal stress that many individuals experience.
“So we chose December because a lot of people are mentally stressed about their respective situations and the pressures of life. So I believe this is a great program to assess their mental capacity and also give them free access to general health screening and free medication,” he explained.
Despite the substantial cost of the project, estimated at $5,000, the Rotary Clubs prioritized community service. The initiative has already assisted over 200 people, with resources to accommodate up to a thousand individuals.
“Per our statistics and data, we have taken care of over 200 people so far and we have more than enough to take care of up to a thousand people. Although the total project is costing us not less than $5,000, we are here to provide service to the people and that’s what we take pride in”, he added.
Support from various Rotary Clubs, including Akosombo-Dam City and Tema, underscored the significance of mental health checks. The President of Akosombo-Dam City commended the Takoradi-Anaji Rotary Club for their impactful work, expressing solidarity by joining forces for this crucial project.
“We are here to support Takoradi-Anaji Rotary Club because we believe that as human beings checking your mental health is as important as checking your physical health. The Rotary Club of Takoradi-Anaji led by RP Edwin has done very well. So far they’ve done more than 10 projects and we decided to join them for this important project. They cam all the day the way to Akosombo to support us and we feel this is the perfect opportunity to replicate the love they have shown us over the period”, he said.
Reflecting on the spirit of Christmas, RP Doreen from Tema emphasized the importance of giving back to society. “Christmas is about giving to the society – not only about giving edible gifts. We are here today to support Takoradi-Anaji and likely to follow in their footsteps next year in Tema,” she said.
The collaboration showcased the power of collective action, uniting Rotary Clubs in the pursuit of mental health well-being for the community.
