By: Jade Belen

Philippine Red Cross personnel provided  psychological first aid to 1,309 adults and to 2,649 children affected by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

Trained PRC personnel have given psychological first aid (PFA) and facilitated child-friendly activities designed children affected by the storm as intervention for those who survived the disaster, to address their mental health needs during a time of distress.

PFA was conducted  in Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Cotabato City, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Maguindanao, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Negros Occidental, Rizal, Romblon, and Zamboanga City.

“The Red Cross addresses not just the physical needs of those affected by the storm but also their mental health needs, to help them cope with the distress brought about by the disaster,” explained PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon.

PRC has provided humanitarian aid to Paeng-affected communities across the country since October28, such as emergency rescue and evacuation, emergency medical services, health, hot meals and food items, water, sleeping kits, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, shelter strengthening kits, clothes, slippers, cash, and PFA.