A Year on the Disaster of the Century: Green Crescent’s Support Activities
More than a year has passed since the disaster of the century, and the consequences of this great disaster are still having deep effects. There are children who lost their families, young people who lost their limbs, and many individuals who experienced trauma in the earthquake. Such traumas can increase the risk of substance abuse. Immediately after the disaster of the century, as of February 12, 2023, Yeşilay teams went to the field and started providing free psychological first aid services via the 444 98 01 hotline.
WE RECEIVED 15 THOUSAND CALLS
Green Crescent President Prof. Dr. Mehmet Dinç stated that they received over 15 thousand calls following the process. Drawing attention to the “My Club Yeşilay Truck” project prepared by Yeşilay in line with the needs of children after the earthquake, Dinç said, “We started this project to accelerate the normalization process of children affected by the earthquake and to strengthen their psychological well -being. Reaching out to children in tent and container cities, Yeşilay Truck has carried out over 4000 events with the support of over 1000 volunteers and over 600 Yeşilay personnel to date and reached over 14 thousand children.”
WE WILL CONTINUE WITH THE SAME SPIRIT
Emphasizing the importance of sustainability of rehabilitation efforts in the earthquake region, Dinç said, “We stand by all our citizens affected by the earthquake and are at their service with all our means. Our Yeşilay Counseling Centers (YEDAM) in Hatay and Adıyaman were destroyed In the earthquake; therefore, we immediately set up container YEDAMs and started providing services from all over the country to the region on temporary assignments. Sustainability of rehabilitation efforts is very critical for us. “heal our wounds with the spirit of unity and solidarity we have shown since the first day.” Dinç stated that Green Crescent is ready to provide free psychosocial support to all citizens in need with its expert staff.
SUPPORT TRUCK IS WAITING FOR YOU
Stating that 13 Green Crescent Counseling Centers (YEDAM) provided free psychosocial support to citizens in 11 provinces affected by the earthquake, Dinç said, “The “My Club Green Crescent Truck”, which Green Crescent prepared by considering the needs of children, serves to accelerate the normalization of children affected by the earthquake and strengthen their psychological well-being. Reaching children in tent and container cities, the Green Crescent Truck has carried out more than 4,000 events to date with the support of more than 1,000 volunteers and 600 Green Crescent personnel. “It has reached more than 14,000 children with these activities.”
SUBSTANCE ADDICTION IS INCREASING
Stating that some data from the region indicate an increase in substance addiction in children, Dinç said, “More than a year has passed since the disaster of the century and the effects of this great disaster continue to have an impact. There are children who lost their families, young people who lost limbs and many individuals who experienced trauma in the earthquake. Such traumas can increase the risk of substance addiction. The data we have obtained recently shows that the age of substance use in the region has decreased and some difficulties have increased. “While our state is building the physical infrastructure in the region, Green Crescent continues its work for psychological and social recovery.”
