The ‘Ansan Mental Health Center,’ which provides comprehensive medical and psychological support services to victims of the April 16 Sewol Ferry disaster, opened its doors in Ansan City on the 26th.
On the same day, Gyeonggi Province held an opening ceremony at the Ansan Mental Health Center located in Danwon-gu, Ansan, attended by about 150 people including Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon, representatives of the Sewol Ferry victims’ families, Ansan Mayor Lee Min-geun, and representatives from related organizations and civic groups.
The Ansan Mental Health Center was established under the ‘Special Act on Relief and Support for Victims of the April 16 Sewol Ferry Disaster,’ built by the national government (Ministry of Health and Welfare) and operated by Gyeonggi Province to support the physical and mental recovery of victims of the April 16 Sewol Ferry disaster and others.
Governor Kim Dong-yeon said, "The Ansan Onmaeum Center, which has been a strong pillar for the Sewol Ferry victims’ families and survivors over the past 11 years, is starting anew today in a new home," adding, "We will actively support so that the legacy left to us by our Sewol Ferry children and victims will not be in vain."
He continued, "This center is not only for the Sewol Ferry families but is also wide open to victims of social disasters such as the Itaewon disaster and the Arisel disaster, as well as victims of state violence," expressing gratitude by saying, "Whenever disasters have repeated, the Sewol Ferry families have always stood in solidarity and empathy as if it were their own matter, and they willingly accepted Gyeonggi Province’s request to open the center’s doors a little wider this time."
In particular, he emphasized, "I believe the Ansan Mental Health Center will be an important starting point on the path to completing a country where the rights and dignity of all citizens, not specific politicians or political groups, are recognized," and added, "It should be a space where the state pledges and promises to take full responsibility for the lives and safety of its people and all subsequent aftercare."
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is delivering a greeting at the opening ceremony of the Ansan Mental Health Center on the 26th. Photo by Gyeonggi Province
Governor Kim also promised to make efforts to complete the under-construction April 16 Life Safety Park by next year.
He said, "Last year, when I met with the Deputy Prime Minister for Economy, I specially requested the budget for the April 16 Life Safety Park, saying it is a way to unite not only the bereaved families but also our people," adding, "Construction is currently underway, and we will do our best to complete it in time for the 12th anniversary."
The newly opened center has a total floor area of 8,952.99㎡ (one basement floor and four above-ground floors) and is managed by Myongji Hospital under the Myongji Medical Foundation. Forty-eight professionals (specialists, nurses, specialized staff, social workers, etc.) provide psychological support and medical services.
Previously, psychological support for Sewol Ferry victims was provided under the name ‘Ansan Onmaeum Center’ since May 2014, but with the expansion and relocation to the Ansan Mental Health Center, the functions have been expanded to include psychiatric and family medicine consultations along with psychological support. In particular, the center is open not only to Sewol Ferry victims but also to disaster victims and any citizens seeking psychiatric and family medicine care.
Gyeonggi Province expects that by providing more specialized support through comprehensive medical and psychological services, the center will establish itself as a hub for mental health promotion and trauma healing in the local community, going beyond healing the victims and families of the Sewol Ferry disaster.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
