-voluntary admission available at hospital’s MHU
IN observance of World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 on Thursday, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC’s) Dr Triston Griffith spoke briefly about the services available to persons experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation and explained where they can go to access professional help and support.
Dr Griffith stated that the GPHC has several services geared towards helping people battling suicidal thoughts.
While a person may not want to visit the Hospital’s Mental Health Unit (MHU), it is advised that they do, as the GPHC offers voluntary admission for persons experiencing suicidal thoughts, and need a space where they feel safe if they are unable to have that on their own, the doctor explained.
“We have psychologists, we have social workers and we have psychiatrists to meet the needs of anybody that’s having a suicidal thought or one with a plan. We have our interventional suite that can deal with suicidal ideations from any pathology,” he said.
Dr Griffith further assured that there are psychiatrists attached to each regional hospital across the country. He noted, however, that if one is not present physically, they offer telemedicine services whereby persons can visit their nearest health facility and be connected to a psychiatrist at the GPHC.
“Also, if at any point in time beyond working hours or so your friend expresses this intent that she does not know what she wants to do, I would advise her to call the 915 hotline. That’s a 24-hour suicide hotline. If you or anyone you know is having suicidal ideation, I want you to know that you do not have to go through this alone. There is professional help that’s available,” he urged.
In recent years, the Government of Guyana made strides in addressing suicide prevention and raising awareness on mental health care. These include the passing of the Suicide Prevention Act in November 2022, which decriminalised attempted suicide and importantly mandated the establishment of a National Suicide Prevention Commission, ensuring an all government/ all society approach.
Two years later in April, the government launched the National Mental Health Action Plan and Suicide Prevention Plan 2024 to 2030, built on six strategic pillars: Expanding suicide prevention education, restricting access to means of suicide, strengthening suicide surveillance, increasing access to services across all regions and enhancing follow-up care for vulnerable individuals.
Since then, other initiatives have followed including the launch of the first 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Helpline- 915, as well as the training of 750 Gatekeepers across all regions to identify and respond to suicidal behaviour in partnership with the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) and Global Affairs Canada.
More than these, the ministry launched the National Mental Health website in May of last year in collaboration with the Office of the President and SBM Offshore, and in July the roll-out of the National Suicide Surveillance System.
Suicide, according to the World Health Organisation, has been a major public health challenge, claiming the lives of over 720,000 people annually.
This year, the organisation says, marks the third and final year of the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2024-2026), Changing the Narrative on Suicide, with the firm call to action: Start the Conversation.
World Suicide Prevention Day was established 23 years ago, by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the World Health Organisation, focusing global attention on suicide prevention, uniting communities, organisations, and governments with the shared belief that suicides are preventable.
