Cognizant of the challenges that continue to plague our frontline health workers in the face of Covid-19 pandemic, the PMHA in partnership with Johnson & Johnson and Johnson & Johnson Foundation, initiated the “Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Community Frontline Workers”. The project aspires to safeguard the well-being of Frontline Health Workers (FLHW) in the community setting during and post the COVID-19 crisis. Through the program, PMHA aims to provide the participants with relevant information and skills on caring for their mental health as well as access to mental health services. The program is being implemented in selected areas in the country. In the Cordillera Administrative Region, the community frontline health workers of Itogon, Benguet are the target participants.
The program was launched through the PMHA Connect, a series of mental health lectures intended to provide the participants knowledge and information on self-care, resilience and stress management as well as expertise in delivering psychosocial support in their communities. The PMHA Connect took place on April 15 to April 16, 2021 at the Itogon Training Center, Bua, Tuding, Itogon, Benguet and was attended by 47 FLHWs.
After the seminar, the participants will undergo the PMHA Circle – a structured group session which will focus on Self-awareness, Self-care techniques, and Stress and Resilience Practices. Another activity, the PMHA Core – an online and face to face consultations will be given to FLHWs core group members experiencing various forms of mental health concerns. The members can avail of counseling and psychiatric consultation under the PMHA Core for free throughout the implementation of the program.
Written by Ms. Pamela G. Dayao and Ms. Marie Emerence T. Sumeg-ang
