To cater mental health issues brought about by the CoViD-19 Pandemic, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) launches “Dangpanay sa CoVid-19” to promote mental health awareness.
Eldon Hans Serame, RRT, Senior Health Program Officer (SHPO) for Mental Health of DOH-CHD 12 in an interview over Bombo Radyo yesterday morning (April 28) disclosed that Dangpanay, a Hiligaynon dialect which means helping each other, is a program that promotes mental health awareness through remote Psychological First Aid (PFA).
“There are help lines where those with PFA needs and concerns brought about by CoViD-19 can text a message or call – simply to talk,” Serape said. Aside from text or call, other help lines available are either online, video call, messenger, email or chat, Serame added. .
The program is for health workers and frontliners, suspect, probable and confirmed (previously PUI, PUM and CoVid-19 positive patients), families, relatives and friends of the deceased, people with pre-existing mental health problems, that may be in need of support
“Dangpanay will be conducted by a team of volunteer psychology professionals, guidance counselors, life coaches, religious personalities,” Serame explained.
“A moderator will forward your concern to a volunteer counselor and will communicate to you to discuss what you are going thru,” he added.
For those who wish to avail of the service, mobile numbers of volunteer social workers from the United Registered Social Workers are posted at South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office, the official Facebook page of IPHO. It may be done also by accessing the link in the South Cotabato IPHO official Facebook page.
“Dangpanay SA CoViD-19” is free of charge and we assure you that all information you provide us will be treated with utmost confidentiality, Serame concluded.
Serame is accompanied by Sheena Calendro, Counselor of HACT-IPHO during the interview.
