SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Department of Health (DOH) 1 says that all the 162 rural health units (RHU) and primary care facilities in the Ilocos region are equipped with mental health services for people needing such assistance.
DOH-1 Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco says the achievement forms part of the health department’s goal of increasing the proportion of health facilities providing mental health services in the Ilocos Region.
“This is part of agenda number six of the DOH 8-Point Action Agenda.. and we have already achieved one hundred percent [of health facilities] with mental health services,” Sydiongco said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on July 2.
Mental health services provided by the said health facilities include psychosocial support for people affected by crises, disasters, and emergencies, and suicide intervention.
Sydiongco adds that the DOH 1 has already conducted capacity-building for its staff to strengthen their capability to handle their mental health program, including a training for primary health workers in the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with mental, neurological, and substance use disorders.
The health department here also partners with the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) in training health workers on Suicide Education and Awareness.
To reach students and address their mental health issues, the DOH 1 shall also hold its Lusog Isip Caravan in the four provinces of Region 1 this October, starting at Solsona National High School in Solsona, Ilocos Norte on October 10 and culminating at Dagupan City National High School on October 20.
In between, the Ilocos Sur leg of the caravan shall be held at the Ilocos Sur Provincial Health Office on October 12 while the La Union leg shall be held at the Don Francisca Lacsamana de Ortega Memorial National High School in Bangar town on October 17.
The said caravan is an integrated approach to mental health that will cover topics related to adolescent health, including HIV, teenage pregnancy, oral health, and e-cigarette use.
On a national scale, the DOH estimates that at least 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from issues on their mental health such as substance use disorders, depression, and mood disorders like bipolar disorder. (MJTAB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
