HUMAS USU — 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, carried out Post-Disaster Psychosocial Support activities for communities affected by flooding in Medan Marelan Subdistrict, Medan City, on Saturday (December 20, 2025). This activity was part of a coordinated emergency response through the USU Care Disaster Management Post under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.

The activity, centered at Puskesmas Terjun, involved 25 team members consisting of lecturers, health workers, and volunteers. The program was led by Prof. Dewi Masyitah Darlan and was also attended by the Head of Social Affairs of Medan Marelan Subdistrict as well as the Head of Puskesmas Terjun, dr. Tissa. The presence of these various parties reflected a synergy in accompanying the community during the post-disaster recovery phase.

Psychosocial assistance was carried out using the Psychological First Aid (PFA) approach through the principles of Look, Listen, and Link. Material on post-disaster stress reactions was delivered interactively by Prof. Elmeida Effendy, encouraging active community participation in a safe, comfortable, and supportive atmosphere. This approach aimed to help residents recognize normal psychological responses after a disaster while strengthening their ability to manage stress.

Community enthusiasm was evident throughout the activity, especially when participants took part in breathing techniques and grounding exercises together. The program continued with various group activities such as light games, song-guessing, and singing together, which brought back cheerfulness, laughter, and a sense of togetherness amid the post-disaster situation. In particular, the activity involved 72 elderly participants who joined the entire series of activities with great enthusiasm. The event concluded with elderly exercise as a symbol of the growth of positive energy and hope to recover together.

The Chair of the Activity Team, Prof. Dewi Masyitah Darlan, emphasized that psychosocial support is an inseparable part of disaster management.
“Post-disaster recovery does not only address physical aspects but also mental health. Psychosocial support is essential to help communities understand the emotional reactions they experience, strengthen resilience, and restore a sense of safety and hope to rise together,” she stated.

Meanwhile, the Head of Puskesmas Terjun, dr. Tissa, expressed appreciation for the presence and assistance provided by USU. According to her, this activity delivered tangible benefits that were directly felt by communities affected by flooding in Medan Marelan.

Through this activity, USU reaffirmed its commitment to continuously accompany communities at every phase of disaster management—not only during emergency response, but also throughout the process of sustainable physical and mental health recovery.