22 December 2025
Anonymous Writer
Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), through the Emergency Disaster Response Community Service Team, in collaboration with the Psychiatry Study Program of the Faculty of Medicine USU, organized Post-Disaster Psychosocial Support activities for flood-affected communities in Medan Marelan District, Medan City, on Saturday, 20 December 2025.
This activity was part of a rapid disaster response coordinated through the USU PEDULI Disaster Response Post under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. Centered at Puskesmas Terjun, the activity involved 25 team members consisting of lecturers, health workers, and volunteers. The implementation was led by the Team Leader, Prof. Dewi Masyitah Darlan, and was also attended by the Head of the Social Affairs Section of Medan Marelan District and the Head of Puskesmas Terjun, dr. Tissa, as a form of synergy between higher education institutions and local stakeholders.
The series of activities was carried out by applying the Psychological First Aid (PFA) approach through the principles of Look, Listen, and Link, aimed at helping the community recognize emotional conditions, express feelings, and obtain the necessary support. Psychosocial education materials related to post-disaster stress reactions were delivered interactively by Prof. Elmeida Effendy, encouraging active participant engagement in a safe, comfortable, and supportive atmosphere.
The activity took place with great enthusiasm. Participants followed breathing and grounding technique exercises, followed by various group activities such as light games, song guessing, and singing together. A warm and cheerful atmosphere was created throughout the event, bringing back laughter, togetherness, and positive spirit amid the post-disaster recovery process. In particular, the activity was attended by 72 elderly participants who showed high enthusiasm throughout the entire series of activities. As a closing session, all participants took part in elderly exercise, symbolizing the growth of positive energy and shared hope to recover together.
“Psychosocial support is an important component of disaster management, because the recovery process does not only focus on physical aspects, but also includes mental health and the strengthening of community mental resilience,” emphasized Prof. Dewi Masyithah Darlan.
“The presence of the USU team has had a very positive impact on our community. This activity not only restores the mental health of residents, but also strengthens post-disaster togetherness. We highly appreciate the attention and assistance that provide real benefits for flood-affected communities in the Medan Marelan area,” said the Head of Puskesmas Terjun, dr. Tissa.
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