Citizens will walk for mental health
The World Health Organisation is encouraging Belizeans to walk for good mental health tomorrow. The journey from Hattieville to Rockview Hospital is just one of the activities to mark the observance of World Health Day on April seventh. PAHO consultant Jacqueline Dragone says that mental illness is not an all or nothing proposition.
Ann-Marie Williams
“People walking for the cause tomorrow, is there a particular message you’d like to get out to the Belizean population?”
Jacqueline Dragone, PAHO Consultant
“Just like I was saying, we kind of symbolise the walk as a way that health is an integral part of an activity that you can be doing.”
“For those that need transportation, there’s a bus that leaves the Pound Yard Bridge at 6:00 a.m. to take the people to Hattieville Police Station where the walk begins at 6:30 and go on to Rockview Hospital.”
“After the walk when we get to Rockview Hospital, there’ll be opening ceremonies. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health will be making remarks to declare the day open and people will be able to return to the bus to Belize City.”
“Everybody has problems that they need to deal with and it’s really important to be there for other people to help other people. And like this year’s theme: “Stop Exclusion, Dare to Care”, it’s so important not to exclude them from society, and actually the more caring we can be the better it will be for everybody.”
Dragone is particularly urging organisations to walk under their banners as the group with the largest turnout wins a trophy.
