Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital and Gyeongbuk Police Agency Open 'Gyeongbuk Maumdonghaeng Gumi Center'... One-Stop Support from Counseling to Treatment

The First Specialized Center for Police Mental Health Support in Central and Western Gyeongsangbuk-do

For the first time in the central and western region of Gyeongsangbuk-do, a specialized hub center supporting the mental health of police officers has opened in Gumi.

Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital (Director Kim Sungho) announced on August 11 that, in cooperation with the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Police Agency, it has opened and begun full-scale operations of the 'Gyeongbuk Maumdonghaeng Gumi Center,' which aims to support the psychological stability and mental health of police officers.

Sungho Kim, Director of Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, and Wontae Kim, Commissioner of Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Police Agency, pose for a commemorative photo holding the agreement after signing a business agreement.
[Photo by Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital]

Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital held an opening ceremony for the center at the hospital on August 10, with over 50 attendees, including Kim Wontae, Commissioner of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Police Agency; Yoo Ojae, Chief of Gumi Police Station; Kim Sungho, Hospital Director; Professor Sung Hyungmo from the Department of Psychiatry; and other personnel.

The ceremony proceeded with an introduction of the center, followed by welcoming and congratulatory remarks, an exchange of the cooperation agreement, an unveiling of the center plaque, a tour of the center, and a commemorative photo session.

The 'Gyeongbuk Maumdonghaeng Gumi Center' was established to systematically manage the psychological trauma of police officers, who are repeatedly exposed to various incidents, accidents, and disaster scenes, and to provide referrals to specialized treatment when necessary.

Police officers, due to the nature of their work, are repeatedly exposed to crime scenes and situations involving incidents and disasters that cause intense tension and trauma. Thus, the center's role is gaining attention for enabling early intervention and ongoing support for mental health issues, including job-related stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The center provides psychological support services targeting police officers in the Gyeongsangbuk-do area, including professional counseling and mental health support, as well as assistance with job-related stress and PTSD. One of its main features is a one-stop medical support system that connects individuals to psychiatric consultations and specialized treatment based on counseling results.

The center aims to go beyond simple counseling by establishing a system that connects counseling, diagnosis, and treatment, so police officers can identify psychological difficulties early and receive appropriate care at the right time.

Kim Sungho, Director of Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, said, "Through the Gyeongbuk Maumdonghaeng Gumi Center, we will actively support police officers by not only providing professional counseling but also facilitating referrals for necessary consultations and treatment," adding, "We will do our best to become a reliable partner in safeguarding the mental health of police officers."

Kim Wontae, Commissioner of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Police Agency, stated, "A sound mind is a crucial foundation for police officers to deliver stable security services," expressing his hope that "the Gyeongbuk Maumdonghaeng Gumi Center will be a practical aid in identifying psychological difficulties early and supporting the mental health recovery of police officers."

Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Police Agency plan to continue close cooperation and further expand professional medical services aimed at enhancing the mental health of police officers.

In particular, by managing the psychological burden experienced by field police officers at an early stage and ensuring timely access to appropriate treatment, the initiative aims to foster a healthier work environment for police officers and strengthen the foundation for safe public security services in the local community.

The mental health of police officers, who are responsible for ensuring public safety, is directly linked to the safety of the community itself. As such, attention is focused on whether the new center will serve as a practical safety net supporting the psychological recovery of field police officers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.