The Bolivarian Government, through the Ministry of People’s Power for Health, activated the 0800-AYUDA-01 telephone hotline to provide psychological support to all Venezuelans experiencing anxiety, grief, or post-traumatic stress as a result of the earthquakes that struck the country last June 24.
A team of psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health specialists will be available to answer calls, to offer emotional support, and, when necessary, refer citizens to other health institutions for a more specialized attention. The hotline is available nationwide and aims to mitigate the psychological impact of the disaster on millions of people.
The President of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, reported that psychological distress has affected a large part of the population, especially in the states where material damage and loss of life have occurred. Therefore, the national government has made this resource available as part of the integral support to those affected and to anyone who may require assistance during these difficult times.
The call is to use this resource in a prompt manner and not to minimize the symptoms of stress or anxiety, which are normal reactions to an extraordinary situation. The Bolivarian Government remains committed to the mental health and well-being of the entire population, beyond physical medical care and material assistance.