PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID APP

In Ecuador, the mental health situation, particularly among children and adolescents, is alarming. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) of the country, 20% of this demographic exhibits symptoms of depression or anxiety, with 10% having considered or attempted suicide. These figures underscore an urgent need for attention and resources in this domain.

Current sociostructural conditions do not favor optimal mental health status among the population. There is a necessity for the training of adequately skilled healthcare professionals and the expansion of mental health service networks to enhance population access to these services. It is crucial for the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador to prioritize strategies for improving mental health care and promotion within the population.

A study conducted in the Metropolitan District of Quito reveals that lack of economic resources and limited information are the primary barriers to accessing mental health services. Furthermore, the shortage of trained human resources is highlighted as a significant challenge.

Another alarming aspect is the rising suicide rates in Ecuador. Between 2011 and 2020, 10,380 suicides were recorded in the country, with the provinces of Napo, Azuay, Bolívar, and Orellana exhibiting the highest rates. Hanging was the most common method, accounting for 68.2% of cases. Mestizos constituted the majority of suicide cases, with school-age children and adolescents being more prone to using hanging as a method.

These findings underscore the need for specific suicide prevention efforts, especially among vulnerable populations such as youth. It is also important to consider sociodemographic factors and the impact of natural disasters on mental health outcomes.

In summary, the mental health situation in Ecuador requires urgent attention. It is essential to implement policies and concrete actions to improve access and quality of mental health services, as well as to address specific challenges related to suicide and sociodemographic factors.

The solution being proposed is a Firechat platform designed to offer accessible and immediate psychological support to individuals facing mental health challenges. This platform serves as a virtual space where users can engage in real-time text-based communication with trained psychologists who provide timely responses and initial psychological aid. The interface is user-friendly and accessible through web browsers and mobile applications, ensuring ease of access for those in need. Behind the scenes, a team of qualified psychologists is stationed to offer professional guidance, adhering to ethical standards and protocols for remote mental health support.

Operating within specified hours, this Firechat service caters to individuals seeking support, allowing them to express their concerns anonymously if desired, thus fostering an environment conducive to open dialogue and disclosure of mental health struggles. Robust security measures are implemented to safeguard user data and ensure confidentiality. The rollout of this initiative is accompanied by a comprehensive promotional campaign aimed at raising awareness about the Firechat service and its availability for mental health support, with collaborative efforts across healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and community groups. Continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are put in place to gauge user engagement, feedback, and satisfaction, facilitating ongoing improvements and ensuring the platform's effectiveness in addressing mental health challenges.

Our solution, the 24/7 Psychological Chat, is designed for over everyone in the Hispanic speech to use directly.

Our team comprises a diverse array of professionals across various fields, each dedicated to the holistic well-being of individuals worldwide, while also prioritizing our responsibility towards animals and the environment. From psychologists and clinical psychologists to lawyers, coaches, and administrators, our team meticulously tends to every facet of our endeavors. Whether it's providing psychological support, legal counsel, guidance, or logistical support, our collective expertise ensures that every step we take is meticulously crafted to promote wellness and sustainability. Moreover, our commitment extends beyond mere words; our in-person events feature vegetarian and vegan cuisine, reflecting our values of compassion and environmental stewardship.

Our project is currently in the prototype stage. We've engaged with numerous people across Ecuador, gathering valuable feedback and making revisions to our schedules based on their input. However, our team has received limited training and capacity-building opportunities so far. We're still refining our approach and fine-tuning our processes to ensure that our solution effectively addresses the needs of our target audience. Moving forward, we aim to further develop and test our prototype, while also seeking additional training and support to enhance our capabilities and maximize the impact of our initiative.

Our foundation focuses on addressing societal challenges, especially in mental health and environmental sustainability. However, we often face barriers in funding, technology, law, culture, and markets.

Financially, we struggle to scale our initiatives. Technically, we need help with developing and implementing innovative solutions. Legally, navigating regulations and rights is complex. Culturally, attitudes toward mental health and the environment vary. And in the market, competition and resource access are challenges.

We believe Solve can help us overcome these barriers by connecting us with partners who offer both money and expertise. Through Solve, we can get funding, technical advice, legal guidance, cultural training, and market access. This support will help us make a bigger impact on the communities we serve. Our goal with Solve isn't just to raise funds but to access the comprehensive support we need to advance our mission effectively.

Innovative Digital Approach: Our Firechat platform offers real-time text-based psychological support, transcending geographical barriers and traditional constraints of in-person counseling service

Anonymity and Confidentiality: Prioritizing anonymity and confidentiality creates a safe space for seeking help, reducing barriers for marginalized populations hesitant to access mental health services.

Cultural Competency and Inclusivity: Ongoing training ensures culturally sensitive support, fostering trust and rapport with diverse users.

Catalyzing Positive Impacts:Demonstrating effectiveness in reaching underserved populations inspires similar approaches, catalyzing innovation in mental health support.

Changing Market Landscape: Challenges traditional models, expanding the notion of effective and accessible mental health support, driving innovation and equitable access.

Like we dont have stadistics, but with little messages of gratitude we can measure that we have impact in peoples lives, our indicators consists in finalizing a chat with a "thank you, you helped me so much", and the person indicated they feels better.

Our solution aligns with MIT Solve's definition of technology as the application of science and evidence-based knowledge to practical aims. We leverage modern technology, such as mobile applications and online platforms, to address the pressing challenges facing our community and the world, particularly in the areas of mental health and environmental sustainability.

Through our Firechat platform, we harness the power of digital communication to provide accessible and immediate psychological support to individuals experiencing mental health issues, regardless of their location or background. This technology allows us to bridge gaps in traditional mental health services, reaching underserved populations and offering timely assistance to those in need. By integrating evidence-based practices and leveraging digital tools, we seek to benefit both individuals and the planet by promoting mental well-being and resilience in the face of societal challenges.

Moreover, our commitment to innovation extends beyond purely digital solutions. We recognize the value of traditional knowledge systems and technologies in addressing contemporary issues. For example, we explore the use of plant-based solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, drawing upon centuries-old practices and indigenous wisdom. By blending modern and ancestral technologies, we strive to develop holistic and sustainable solutions that promote the well-being of people and the planet.

In essence, our solution embodies the ethos of technology as a catalyst for positive change, leveraging both modern and traditional approaches to address complex societal challenges and drive innovation for the benefit of all.

At present, we have a team of 20 dedicated volunteers who generously contribute three hours of their time every week to manage and generate schedules for the chat assistance.

Almost two years.

Our leadership team embodies a rich tapestry of diversity across various dimensions, including professional backgrounds, expertise, and lived experiences. With members representing diverse fields such as psychology, law, coaching, administration, and environmental advocacy, our team reflects a breadth of perspectives and talents crucial for addressing complex societal challenges effectively.

Our goals for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our team are multifaceted. Firstly, we aim to ensure equitable access to leadership roles, opportunities for professional development, and decision-making processes for all team members, irrespective of their backgrounds or identities. Additionally, we strive to cultivate an inclusive and supportive work environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique insights and ideas.

To achieve these goals, we have implemented various actions and initiatives. We prioritize recruiting and retaining team members from underrepresented backgrounds to enhance the diversity of our leadership team. We provide ongoing DEI training and education to our members, fostering awareness and understanding of issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Moreover, we actively seek feedback from team members and stakeholders to continuously assess and improve our DEI practices and policies.

By championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our leadership team, we not only enrich our collective expertise and perspectives but also strengthen our ability to develop innovative and inclusive solutions that address the diverse needs of the communities we serve. We remain committed to fostering a culture of belonging where all team members can thrive and contribute to our mission of promoting societal well-being and environmental sustainability.