The Loma Linda University International Behavioral Health Trauma Team (LLUIBHTT) recently deployed two groups to provide mental health support to two Caribbean countries after the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl. One of the LLU groups, consisting of three faculty members, visited Grenada (the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique) and combined their efforts with four members of the Trinidad & Tobago Behavioral Health Trauma Team (TTBHTT) and three counselors from Grenada. The other LLU group, consisting of two faculty members, visited St. Vincent and the Grenadines (the islands of St. Vincent, Canouan, and Union Island) and combined their efforts with three members of the TTBHTT. The primary mission of both groups was to focus on addressing the psychological and emotional needs of those directly affected by the trauma and stress resulting from the disaster. The teams also specifically focused on helping these individuals and communities build resiliency skills to cope with ongoing stressors now and into the future.
In their efforts, the teams provided psychological support to over 200 children, adults, and elderly individuals, and also distributed practical supplies (such as school materials), planted trees, and helped secure homes. These efforts not only helped to meet immediate needs but also contributed to restoring a sense of normalcy for the families and children in these communities. The distribution of supplies and other physical forms of support were crucial parts of the overall mission, ensuring that the material and psychological recovery needs were met.
The teams also led Sabbath school and other church-based programs designed to foster resilience among both adults and children. These programs offered a space for spiritual and emotional healing, encouraging participants to process their experiences while learning coping strategies. By integrating faith-based initiatives with mental health support, the teams provided a holistic approach to community recovery, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives.
