City officials recently recommended to start mental health initiatives in building resilient communities in the city.
Under Resolution No. 689, series of 2023, city legislators stated that the measure will help address mental health in communities through promotion of mental health education and awareness, development of educational campaigns to reduce stigma, raise awareness about mental health issues and promote early interventions and prevention strategies, expansion of community support systems, establishing community-based support networks and resources that provide emotional support, guidance and advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges, integration of mental health into primary care services, collaborating with primary providers to integrate mental health services into routine health care ensuring holistic treatment for individuals, implementation of accessible and affordable services, reduction of stigma and misconceptions, organizing mental health education workshops and seminars to reduce stigma and increase awareness about common mental health issues.
During the Scout Official for a Day (SOFAD) session held on October 23, 2923, the SOFAD Council adopted the proposal of SOFAD Councilor Fritzie Nichole Mallari recommending the start of mental health initiatives towards building resilient communities.
Republic Act (RA) 11036 or the Mental health Act aims to integrate strategies promoting mental health in educational institutions, the workplaces and in communities.
The council stipulated that building healthy communities by empowering them through community health initiatives is a comprehensive approach that involves various stakeholders working together to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of local communities. It typically focuses on promoting access to health care services, addressing social determinants of health, encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and fostering community engagement by implementing targeted interventions and programs with the end goal of creating sustainable improvements in the health outcomes and quality of life for individuals within the community.
According to the resolution, stigma and misconception surrounding mental health refer to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that are associated with mental health conditions which often lead to discrimination, prejudice and social exclusion of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
The body emphasized that limited access to mental health services and support systems refers to the challenges individuals face in obtaining timely and appropriate mental care and resources while inadequate funding for mental health programs and initiatives refers to the lack of sufficient financial resources allocated to support mental health services, research and public health campaigns.
