Monrovia – The newly constructed wellness unit situated on the compound of the C. H. Rennie Hospital in Margibi has received US$1,940 from the Monrovia Club Breweries for landscaping.
To increase inpatient capacity and decentralize access to mental health services provided across the country, the National Mental Health Policy developed by the government and its partners called for the establishment of at least one wellness unit at each county referral hospital across the country.
In 2012, there was only one such wellness unit. Located in Bong’s Phebe Hospital, that mental health center catered to persons with mental, neurological, and substance abuse problems. Liberia has now made some progress in building wellness units in other counties including River Gee, Grand Kru and Grand Gedeh.
In the case of Grand Kru, a space for the unit was provided in the referral hospital and refurbished by Partners in Health whereas in Maryland there is only a screening and consultation area.
Following the completion of the facility in Margigi, the Liberian Center for Outcomes Research in Mental Health begun seeking support from donors and other institutions to complete the landscaping which is the final stage of the project.
Heavy rains are causing serious erosion to threaten the newly constructed wellness unit.
In an effort to protect the facility from destruction, Nelson Oniyama, managing director, Monrovia Club Breweries presenting a cheque of US$1,940 said he was impressed by the effort of LICORMH to undertake a project that is meant to serve Liberians with mental problems.
“LICORMH has and continues to work and address issues affecting persons with mental illness in the country,” Oniyama said.
Though Oniyama said Monrovia Club Breweries Monrovia Club Breweries was not involved with the construction of the facility but could sit and see the wellness unit being threatened by erosion adding “the issue of mental health in the country should not be left with LICORMH along but the concern of everyone”.
Liberians affected with the conditions the wellness unit hopes to answer. Oniyama also said he hopes to see the community taking ownership of facility stressing ‘the wellness unit has been constructed to find answers to persons with mental illness”
Oniyama also made a personal contribution of US$900. The total amount received by LICORMH is US$2,840 for the wellness unit landscaping.
LICORMH also hope to use the donated fund for security and safety engagement measures at the wellness unit.
The US$65,500 wellness unit was dedicated on June 15, the facility is meant to provide services to persons with mental illness in Margibi and Montserrado.
Funds for the facility construction were provided by the National Oil Company of Liberia while the Liberian Center for Outcomes Research in Mental Health executed the project.
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