Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) PhD candidate Ko Yoon-hee (Department of Social Welfare) received a Commendation from the Governor of Jeollabuk-do for her diligent work in psychological support services for Jeollabuk-do fire service personnel. The award ceremony was held on the 26th.

Since January of this year, JBNU established the Fire Service Psychological Support Team, led by Professor Myung-sook Yoon (Department of Social Welfare), to provide psychological and mental health support services to fire service personnel in Jeollabuk-do. In particular, the program operates a "Visiting Counseling Service for Fire Service Personnel," conducting field-centered counseling and actively carrying out community-linked activities.

Through this program, a system for promoting firefighters' mental health and crisis management has been established. Case management for occupational trauma, traumatic stress, and individuals at high risk for mental health problems is also being conducted systematically.

Professor Myung-sook Yoon, head of the Psychological Support Team, said, "Counselor Ko Yoon-hee is a certified Level 1 Mental Health Social Worker and, based on her extensive experience in the mental health field, participated most proactively in operating the Fire Service Psychological Counseling Office. Her on-site cooperation and professional competence were particularly outstanding."

PhD candidate Ko Yoon-hee said, "This award is the result of all counselors who participated in Jeollabuk-do's psychological support program for fire service personnel over the past year joining forces. In connection with the BK21 Project, we have achieved meaningful outcomes in both research and practice, and I will continue to contribute to improving firefighters' mental health."

Meanwhile, JBNU's Department of Social Welfare is recognized as a department with top-level research capabilities in Korea. It has carried out various community problem-solving projects and was selected as an excellent research-education group through the BK21 Project. This award is seen as evidence both of JBNU's social contribution to solving regional problems and of the Fire Service Psychological Support Team's excellent program capabilities.