Psychiatry Study Program of FK USU Conducts Community Service in Tanjung Pura, Focusing on Elderly Mental Health

The Psychiatry Study Program of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), through its Department of Psychiatry, carried out a community service initiative in the working area of the Pantai Cermin Public Health Center (UPT Puskesmas Pantai Cermin), Tanjung Pura District, Langkat Regency, in April 2026.

This activity is part of the implementation of the Kampung Tangguh Jiwa (KATANGJA) Program, which focuses on strengthening community-based mental health, particularly for the elderly population. The event was officially opened by the Head of Tanjung Pura District, Tengku Reza Aditiya, S.IP, who expressed support for efforts to enhance mental health services at the community level. In his remarks, he appreciated the contribution of FK USU academics in supporting health development and emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration among healthcare workers, community cadres, and local government.

“A comprehensive and community-based mental health approach is key to improving the quality of life of the elderly,” he stated.

The head of the community service team, Prof. Dr. Elmeida Effendy, dr., M.Ked., Sp.KJ., Subsp.B.P.(K), explained that the program aims to enhance the capacity of health cadres and empower communities in early detection and management of psychogeriatric issues. According to her, mental health disorders among the elderly—such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline—are still often overlooked at the community level.

“The KATANGJA Program is designed as a sustainable, community-based mental health service model involving healthcare professionals, community cadres, and village governments. It also aims to reduce stigma and improve mental health literacy in society,” she explained.

The activity involved mental health cadres and elderly participants from 18 villages and 1 sub-district in Tanjung Pura, along with representatives from the Pantai Cermin Public Health Center. The program included training for mental health cadres and screening sessions using standardized instruments such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Through this initiative, it is expected that a more structured early detection system will be established at the community level, along with improved access to integrated mental health services. Additionally, the program aims to create a more supportive environment for the elderly in maintaining their mental health and overall quality of life.

This initiative marks a concrete step by FK USU in supporting inclusive, sustainable, and community-based mental health development in Langkat Regency.