Proposed law establishing brgy mental health corner in the offing

THE City Council Committee on Health, Nutrition, and Health Insurance chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane is now looking into the proposed ordinance establishing a mental health desk in every barangay.

The proposed ordinance was filed by City Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, citing that it is essential to establish a Mental Health Corner in each barangay, providing a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to seek guidance, information, and support.

It may be recalled that the committee referred the matter to the Department of Health (DOH-10) and the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWD) for comments and recommendations.

In her letter to the committee, Dr. Ellenietta N. Gamolo of DOH-10 said the DOH Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao acknowledges the city government's efforts to help Kagay-anons accelerate the implementation of universal health care in the city.

She suggested the alignment of the city’s Mental Health Code in terms of the mental health services provided at the barangay level, the definition and roles of mental health workers against mental health professionals, and the referral system defined in the code.

For its part, the CSWD lauded the proposed ordinance since it will be instrumental in institutionalizing responsive mental health programs at the barangay level. It recommended that the proposed ordinance include provisions stipulating possible sources of funds for the sustainability of the program, and a separate provision assigning a Mental Health Focal Person as team leader in every barangay, among others.