USU PUBLIC RELATIONS – Universitas Sumatera Utara once again continued its role in disaster management by carrying out an Emergency Disaster Response Community Service activity in Medan Marelan Subdistrict, Medan City, on Sunday, December 21, 2025. This activity was a continuation of post-flood recovery efforts that had been conducted a day earlier in the affected areas.

The humanitarian action was centered on Jalan Andansari Pasar VI, Medan Marelan Subdistrict, through cross-sector collaboration between the USU Peduli Task Force, the Faculty of Medicine (FK) USU, and Artha Graha Peduli, with Puskesmas Terjun serving as the health service center. This collaboration represents an integrated approach to supporting community health recovery after the disaster.

A total of 355 flood-affected residents utilized the free health services provided by the medical team. The services included general medical examinations and treatment, distribution of medicines, provision of ready-to-eat meals, Basic Life Support (BLS) training, as well as psychosocial consultations for residents experiencing mental stress due to the disaster. These services were designed to address both the physical and mental health needs of the community still affected by the flood.

The Head of the USU Emergency Disaster Response Community Service Team, Prof. Dr. dr. Dewi Masyithah Darlan, DAP&E, MPH, Sp.ParK, stated that USU’s presence in the community is not solely focused on medical aspects. “USU is present not only to provide physical health services, but also psychosocial support. The impact of disasters often does not stop at physical injuries, but leaves trauma and mental stress. Therefore, recovery must be carried out comprehensively, humanely, and sustainably,” she said during the activity.

According to Prof. Dewi, a collaborative approach among medical personnel, volunteers, and external partners is key to ensuring that the interventions provided truly meet the needs of affected communities and strengthen their resilience in facing post-disaster situations.

This activity involved medical personnel from various disciplines within the Faculty of Medicine USU and was supported by a network of volunteers and partners, including the private sector through Artha Graha Peduli, as part of cross-sector synergy in disaster management. This collaboration is expected to continue in various forms of humanitarian support in other affected areas.

The Head of Medan Marelan Subdistrict, who was present directly at the location, expressed appreciation and gratitude to Universitas Sumatera Utara for the attention and concrete support given to the residents. He stated that USU’s presence provided direct benefits felt by the flood-affected community.

Through this activity, USU hopes that the synergy between higher education institutions, government, professional organizations, and the private sector can continue to be strengthened in disaster mitigation and recovery efforts. This joint effort is expected to create a more resilient, healthy, and empowered society in facing various emergency situations in the future.