Actions taken:
-In 2020, at the beginning of COVID-19, the JRCS developed a guidebook and videos emphasizing the psychosocial risks which COVID-19 brings: COVID-19 will bring us three “infections”, which are “disease”, “anxiety” and “stigma” that may lead to form negative spiral. These materials, which were developed for the first time in Japan, warned against the social fragmentation that can be seen in the early stages of infection (or even any type of emergencies).
-Since 2021, the JRCS has been revising training and materials for domestic disaster MHPSS delegates and incorporated PFA concept into the training/materials.
-In 2023, the “A Guide for Psychological First Aid” was translated into Japanese, with prominent external experts support. This guide was disseminated to all JRCS chapters and institutions with video showing how to use the guide. Based on this guide, the training and material mentioned above have been modified.
-In 2023, the “MHPSS in National Emergencies training” was hosted by the JRCS, and facilitated by the Asia Pacific MHPSS Collaborative. Participants gathered from Japan and all over Asia Pacific.
-The JRCS has been proactive in responding to disasters in MHPSS field.
・In 2022 , a MHPSS surge delegate was deployed to Poland to support displaced people in the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis. In 2024, another MHPSS surge delegate was deployed to Mongolia to support Dzud response.
・In 2024, 44 MHPSS teams were deployed after the Noto Peninsula Earthquake to provide MHPSS for the affected people including those assisting them (staff of local authorities and hospitals, who also were affected by the disaster).
