Waterloo-developed mental health first aid kits give accessible support

A mental health support kit developed by a Waterloo woman has been widely distributed among university students, workplaces and veterans since its launch in 2015.To get more news about ifaks, you can visit rusuntacmed.com official website.

The PASS kit was created by Tina Chan, now a master's student at the University of Waterloo's public health and health systems graduate program, when she saw a need to help people get more immediate access to support in times of struggle.

"The main inspiration of it is that when someone has symptoms of a panic attack coming on, or symptoms of anxiety, we don't usually have the information on hand," Chan told CBC News. "And information on your phone is still one step too far removed."The newest iteration of the kit includes a stress star, ear plugs, a sleeping mask, a pack of gum and a deck of 25 cards, each with specific steps a person can take if they are experiencing symptoms.

The advice is based on research in scientific journals. One example is a box breathing technique to help users calm down.

"I have been receiving testimonials from students," said Chan, "They would see their roommate having a struggle and they would actually bring out the cards and they would discuss that together."The kit is also a part of the Mental Health First Aid certification course run in Waterloo every month by Mega Health at Work.

Robin Bender is the founder and she said her clients have found the kits to be useful and purchased them for family and friends after the workshop.Through Bender's request, Chan has also created a set of cards that are specific to post-traumatic stress disorder for a veterans event Bender was a part of in summer 2017.

"In those moments where [veterans] are dissociating or whatever they're experiencing, to have something in front of you that you can go to and utilize is extremely beneficial," Bender said.Now, Chan is working to develop a new kit for people who have PTSD because it's an "area that really needs support right now."

While the kits don't equate seeing a health professional, Bender said it's a resource that's "simple to carry and use" without having to rely on access to the internet or the person's counsellor or psychiatrist.

"People who are struggling with mental illness, that's all they want. All they want to do is get out of how they're currently feeling and feel better, so that's what the tool gives them."

NUMARK DONATE FIRST AID KITS TO UGANDA

Numark have donated over 2,500 of their first aid kits to charity. With thanks to Numark member Christine Tomlinson owner of Nash pharmacy in Bolton and her son Krishnan the people in Garuga, Uganda have access to first aid supplies.To get more news about ifak pouches, you can visit rusuntacmed.com official website.

Christine and her family are dedicated to the charity work they do for the less fortunate. During a monthly phone call with the Numark telesales team, Christine mentioned her son was on his way to Uganda and asked if we had any products to support people in need. We were delighted to be able to donate stock of our first aid kits to the people of Garuga as we knew it was going to a great cause and would help a lot of people in the process.

“My son Krishnan showed interest in charity work early in 2017, as a family we have supported him every step of the way, his efforts include providing clothes, shoes, food and stationary. PHOENIX has also supported my son’s charity work by providing a range of products which have gone on to help lots of people. This time, my son wanted to fundraise his charity Road2Uganda to support the people of Garuga.

“Krishnan started fundraising to push himself to do more for good causes and also help build a school for children. He started by running the distance of four marathons in four days. In total, the Road2Uganda marathon was 115 miles long where all proceeds went to building a junior school to educate over 140 children per term. As every mother would, I was with him through the marathon providing essentials such as bandages, much needed fluids and of course moral support.

“The first aid kits have gone to a great cause where many young people in need have benefited. Thank you to Numark for supporting such a great cause.”

“In these times of great uncertainty of uproot and turmoil across many of the poorest regions of the world, it is more important than ever that we look out for others and do all we can to help our fellow humans.”- Krishnan