MADURAI: Rotary International President for 2023-24 Mr.R.Gordon R.McInally has said that mental health activities will be the priority area for coming Rotary year and Rotary clubs across the world will undertake focused programmes to address mental health issues and challenges.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference held in Madurai today-on April 21st 2023, he said that the field of mental health will be given significant importance and Rotary clubs will implement projects that help for mental wellness of people.
“We recognize the importance of mental health and take up programmes through Rotary clubs. We want to support people who are affected by mental health challenges. Every country has mental challenges for its people, and our Rotary clubs will identify specific needs according to the local situation and engage themselves in mental health mission. It is time destigmatize mental health issues,” the Rotary International President Elect Mr.Gordon R.McInally from Scotland has informed at the press meet in Madurai today.
Stating that emotional well-being, mental health needs and improving access to mental health services should be areas of work, he said that Rotary clubs and districts will be encouraged to undertake activities in that direction during the year 2023-24 when the Rotary International will go forward with its theme “Create Hope in the World’.
AT INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN CHENNAI:
The incoming Rotary International president Mr.R.Gordon R.McInally along with present Rotary International Director Mr.A.S.Venkatesh also informed the media about an important mental health project taken up by Rotary club members at Institute of Mental Health situated in Kilpauk in Chennai.
Mr.A.S.Venkatesh said that facilities for inmates will be improved at the Institute of Mental Health and the Rotary will play an important role by undertaking renovations etc at a cost of Rs.one crore to be spent by Rotary club. “It is a very worthwhile initiative taken up in Chennai by our Rotary members because I am also keen to do programmes and projects on mental health,” the RI president elect had stressed.
LEADERSHIP CONCLAVE:
Mr.R.Gordon R.McInally also spoke about the timely response of Rotary International and Rotary clubs in various countries to help the people in need, be it in Ukraine, Turkey etc or during the COVID pandemic when Rotary as a service organization played supporting role to health authorities in countries based on its experience in polio eradication. He was in Madurai to address a leadership conclave of Rotary.
Among those who were present at the press conference held in Madurai today include Past District Governor Mr.M.Muruganandam, Mr.Raja Govindasamy and Mr.Kumanan.
