KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, has issued a heartfelt appeal to citizens to prioritize mental health by checking in with loved ones and utilizing available mental health resources. Speaking against the backdrop of rising suicide rates and increased calls to the national Suicide Prevention Helpline (888-NEW-LIFE), Dr. Tufton emphasized the collective responsibility of addressing mental health challenges. ‘Every Jamaican must pause, observe their surroundings, and offer support to those in need. When personal efforts fall short, professional help through public health services, faith-based organizations, or safe spaces should be sought,’ he stated. The helpline recorded 633 calls last month, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Dr. Tufton’s remarks follow his participation in the United Nations General Assembly’s High-level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Promotion. The Ministry of Health and Wellness is actively enhancing mental health services, including training non-psychiatric healthcare workers under the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme. Additionally, the School Mental Health Literacy Programme will resume in November, aiming to educate students on mental health awareness and coping strategies. Community-level initiatives, such as the Problem Management Plus providers, are also being expanded to support individuals facing emotional distress. With over 150 public mental health clinics islandwide, Jamaica continues to strengthen its mental health infrastructure. Other resources include the U-Matter Chatline for youth and a helpline for substance use-related mental health support.