Uiseong-gun Launches 'Mental Relief Bus' to Heal Wildfire Scars

On-Site Psychological Counseling and EMDR Therapy Support
Ongoing Monitoring for High-Risk Groups with Post-Disaster Trauma

Uiseong-gun has officially launched an on-site psychological support system to help residents recover emotionally after their livelihoods were threatened by a major wildfire.

Uiseong-gun announced that it would operate the "Mobile Mental Relief Bus," in connection with the Yeongnam Region Trauma Center, three times from May 13 to May 20 to support residents suffering psychological difficulties due to wildfire damage.

Yeongnam Region Trauma Mental Relief Bus

This initiative is a preemptive measure to address mental aftereffects such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders that can persist after a disaster. It is characterized by the direct deployment of a mobile psychological support system equipped with professional counselors and mental health equipment to the affected sites.

The Mental Relief Bus provides tailored psychological support for residents, including mental health assessments, stress measurement tests, and individualized in-depth counseling. In addition, disaster psychological recovery programs such as relaxation therapy and physical stabilization training are operated concurrently to help reduce tension and restore psychological stability.

In particular, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) assessment and therapy are also provided to help alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

EMDR is a therapeutic technique that uses eye movements to reduce negative emotional responses to traumatic memories. It has been utilized as an effective psychological treatment for individuals experiencing persistent anxiety and tension after a disaster.

The Uiseong-gun Mental Health Welfare Center plans to continue case management and regular monitoring for high-risk groups even after counseling. In addition, a transportation support service will be operated to improve accessibility for elderly residents and those with limited mobility.

Ju-Soo Kim, Mayor of Uiseong-gun, stated, "Since the psychological trauma caused by major wildfires can persist for a long time, early intervention and continuous management are more important than ever. We will actively support the mental health recovery and stable return to daily life of residents affected by the disaster through close cooperation with related organizations."

This initiative is particularly meaningful as it expands the role of public services beyond simple disaster response to include "mental recovery."

There is an increasing recognition that disaster response must go beyond physical restoration to also rebuild psychological safety nets for residents, and this paradigm shift is now taking root in local government practices.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.