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“It is also a way to open the doors of the hospital to Ilocanos specially to the youth as we empower and bring to them the services of the Hospital that are relevant to them in their schools, hence, strengthening their participation in healthcare projects,” she said.

Since September 2018, the caravan already visited various schools, including General Artemio Ricarte National High School, Batac City National High School, Data Center College of the Philippines, and Catalino Acosta Memorial Elementary School, among others.

Mental Health School Caraven

Dr. Quilala cited that the youth is particularly vulnerable to mental health illnesses due to the prevalence of technology and social media consumption, own curiosity, and lack of communication and family support.

Describing the caravan as “tip of the iceberg”, she said the hospital is currently laying down plans to ensure that the activities under CHUMS are sustainable and would break down barriers that prevent the Ilocano youth from seeking help for their mental health illnesses.

Dr. Quilala said “a [mental health advocacy] curriculum is being beefed up which focuses on reinforcing one’s self-worth and a comprehensive mechanism and procedure to ensure that preventions and treatments are readily available.”

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She also highlighted the planned implementation of GRIT 24/7 hotline, a suicide hotline service, to be operated by  the hospital to ensure that a counsellor is just a call away to help people overcome depression, battles with lack of  conscientiousness and resiliency, among others.
“The major goal of GRIT 24/7 is to initially help Ilocanos when they call the hotline and strongly convince them to  visit the hospital for consultation and to undergo specialized mental health illness prevention and treatment  services,” she added.
The CHUMS advocacy is timely as the Department of Health is now strengthening its efforts to implement the National Mental Health Program, following the  approval by President Rodrigo Duterte of Republic Act 11036, or the Mental Health Act.—John Michael Mugas