The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has officially launched its first-ever Psychosocial and Counseling Center to prioritize the mental and physical health of its employees, recognizing the critical role wellbeing plays in driving the nation’s revenue collection efforts.

At the launch event held at the LRA headquarters in Paynesville, LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah emphasized the center’s importance, urging staff to make full use of the facility. “The work we do here is demanding and requires you to be both mentally and physically fit. Your wellbeing is essential to our success in collecting national revenue,” CG Jallah stated.

The establishment of the LRA Psychosocial and Counseling Center marks a historic step, as it is the first of its kind within a Liberian government agency. This initiative underscores the LRA’s commitment to creating a supportive environment that empowers employees to overcome challenges, maintain resilience, and contribute to the authority’s ambitious goal of raising more than a billion dollars in revenue.

The center, launched in collaboration with The Carter Center and the Ministry of Health, will offer employees access to professional counseling, mental health services, and other wellness programs. This is a proactive measure aimed at improving both the health and productivity of LRA staff as they engage in the strenuous task of revenue mobilization, which is critical to national development.

Commissioner General Jallah thanked The Carter Center and the Ministry of Health for their role in recommending certified mental health clinicians to manage the center. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to ensuring a healthy workforce capable of meeting the demands of revenue collection while promoting overall job satisfaction,” he noted.

Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto, speaking at the event, highlighted the significance of maintaining confidentiality in the counseling services provided. “Confidentiality is the hallmark of this project,” she said, urging clinicians to safeguard the privacy of staff utilizing the center. Dr. Kpoto applauded the LRA for leading by example, being the first government institution to prioritize psychosocial and mental health care for its employees.

The psychosocial unit will be staffed by two experienced clinicians who will provide free services to LRA employees three days a week during designated hours. This initiative not only aims to address stress, anxiety, and personal challenges faced by staff but also ensures they have a safe space to express concerns that could otherwise affect their work performance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 400,000 Liberians suffer from some form of mental disorder, with around 130,000 facing severe mental illness. By establishing this center, the LRA is taking a bold step in promoting mental health within the workplace, ensuring that its staff can perform at their best while contributing to Liberia’s revenue growth and national prosperity.