The Ministry of Health and Welfare is intensifying efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of vulnerable populations ahead of the Chuseok holiday by visiting crisis response sites and self-sufficiency programs. The initiative aims to prevent gaps in care and support for marginalized groups during the holiday period, ensuring a 24-hour crisis response system is fully operational.
Emergency Room Follow-Up and 24-Hour Crisis Response Check: Linking to the '6th Basic Plan for Suicide Prevention'
On September 22, the Ministry held a video conference with officials from suicide prevention centers nationwide to review the crisis response system in preparation for the Chuseok holiday. They also discussed the direction for establishing the '6th Basic Plan for Suicide Prevention,' which will serve as a roadmap for the next five years.
Attendees included Son Young-rae, Director of the Ministry's Regional Essential Public Health Office, and Jeon Jin-ah, Senior Commissioner of the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, along with practitioners from suicide prevention centers across the country. Since June, the Ministry has been developing a comprehensive suicide prevention plan that addresses nine key areas, including youth (Ministry of Education), economically vulnerable individuals (Financial Services Commission), and isolated households (Ministry of Health and Welfare). The Ministry plans to enhance the policy's effectiveness by incorporating feedback from the field.
Following the meeting, Lee Sun-young, Director of Mental Health Policy at the Ministry, visited the 'Life Love Crisis Response Center' at Sejong Chungnam National University Hospital to closely examine the post-emergency care system. This center serves as a critical hub for patients who have attempted suicide, providing emergency treatment, initial assessments, short-term case management, and community connections. Currently, 100 such centers operate nationwide.
During the visit, officials discussed institutional and practical improvements to ensure that individuals who attempt suicide receive appropriate treatment and smoothly transition into community welfare and counseling networks. Son Young-rae emphasized the importance of thorough crisis management during the holiday period and promised ongoing communication and support.
Visit to Self-Sufficiency Work Sites: Supporting Independence for Basic Livelihood Recipients and Lower-Income Groups, Preventing Care Gaps
On the same day, Jin Young-joo, Director of Social Welfare Policy at the Ministry, visited the Gangseo Community Self-Sufficiency Center in Seoul to assess working conditions and encourage residents participating in self-sufficiency programs.
The Gangseo Community Self-Sufficiency Center supports approximately 230 individuals from basic livelihood recipients and lower-income groups, helping them build independence through various projects, including convenience stores, restaurants, and recycling operations. During the visit, Jin listened to participants' concerns and toured self-sufficiency facilities, including a café operated by program participants.
Jin expressed gratitude to the participants and staff for their hard work leading up to the holiday, stating, "The government will strive to enhance tailored self-sufficiency support systems and expand job opportunities so that vulnerable groups can build hope and confidence through work."
The Ministry aims to identify welfare gaps and at-risk households early through this series of site visits, maintaining a robust 24-hour support system to ensure a safe and warm holiday for vulnerable populations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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