Summary of the Presentation

Rtn Dr. Germán Vélez presented updates on a school-based mental health initiative in Guatemala, focusing on addressing high rates of teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse, and forced marriage among indigenous girls. The project team conducted a needs assessment using the PHQ-9, finding that 46% of girls reported depressive symptoms, with 10% experiencing severe depression and suicidal ideation. The team also conducted focus groups to better understand the unique challenges faced by these students, particularly regarding family structure and support systems.

The team conducted focus groups and assessments with students and teachers in Guatemala to address mental health needs, revealing high stigma around mental health issues and limited knowledge about depression among teachers. They developed a mental health toolkit called "Learn to Feel, Create to Heal" that combines Mayan cosmology with standardized mental health tools, which has been well-received during workshops with school staff. The project's next steps include completing the toolkit for potential national adoption, creating a step-by-step guide for handling mental health symptoms, implementing a digital tracking system, and providing ongoing training and support to local mental health providers.

The meeting focused on a humanitarian project in Guatemala, led by Steve Dunhofer (sic), which aims to improve education and support for underprivileged girls. A needs assessment was conducted, revealing high rates of depression and suicide among the girls, prompting the team to develop a specialized Howard West (MD) resource. The project, which has received support from local Rotarians and the Tikal Peten Rotary Club, is now seeking funding through a global grant. Rtn Germán, a child psychiatrist, has taken over the project's management, and the team is working on a comprehensive budget to submit for the Global Grant, which could provide up to $62,700 in funding.