Belize City, June 9, 2025 — The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), together with Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) and the Belize Police Force, has launched a four-day training program for 75 police officers.
The initiative aims to equip officers with essential skills to manage their own mental health, effectively respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises, and extend training nationwide. With mental health a growing priority for the MoHW, especially during crises, the program emphasizes self-care, early intervention, and strategic response.
Key goals include strengthening police instructors’ ability to teach using the updated training manual, improving officers’ capacity to handle mental health situations, raising awareness of common mental health conditions, teaching self-care techniques, and fostering collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals.
Since 2007, PAHO/WHO and MoHW have worked to improve police and healthcare roles in mental health emergencies, but challenges remain. This training uses interactive sessions, role-playing, and group exercises to prepare officers to identify and de-escalate potential crises while safeguarding their own well-being.
PAHO/WHO Belize, MoHW, and the Belize Police Force reaffirm their commitment to enhancing mental health crisis response, recognizing it as a shared responsibility across sectors.
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