On Friday, February 23, 2024, held a dissemination event for its "Mental Health in the Workplace" initiative. The event, organized in collaboration with the National Mental Health Program, the International Rescue Committee, and funded by the Lebanon Financing Facility managed by the World Bank, took place at the Citea Apart Hotel – Achrafieh.
The event was attended by Juan Gabriel Wells, Country Director of the International Rescue Committee, Dr. Rabih Chammay, Head of the National Mental Health Program, Dr. Georges Karam, Executive Director of IDRAAC, and representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, among others.
The event began with a welcome note from Dr. Karam, who highlighted the importance of mental health in the workplace. He emphasized that mental health is often overlooked in many workplaces, despite its significant impact on productivity and overall success. Dr. Karam also shared findings from IDRAAC's research, revealing that 1 out of 4 of the Lebanese population suffers from mental health disorders.
Juan Gabriel Wells, Country Director of the International Rescue Committee, spoke next, discussing the collaboration between the IRC, IDRAAC, and other partners in supporting mental health in Lebanon. He emphasized the challenges faced by the Lebanese population due to various factors, including the economic crisis and the pandemic.
Dr. Rabih Chammay, Head of the National Mental Health Program, expressed his pleasure at launching the "Mental Health in the Workplace" initiative. He highlighted the ongoing efforts of the National Mental Health Program to reform Lebanon's mental health system.
The event also featured success stories and testimonials from trainees representing various participating organizations. Certificates were distributed to trainees who completed the training courses, marking an important milestone in promoting mental health awareness and support in the workplace.