Pangilinan says mental health care should be available in barangays

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis Pangilinan on Thursday said barangay health workers should have adequate training in handling mental health issues as he argued that mental health care should be available at community level.

The senator said that making mental health care available at barangay level would help address the issue even before it worsens.

“As a nation, we must look out for one another, and reach out to those struggling with mental health issues — be it a member of the family, friends, co-workers, or even those unknown to us,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

Pangilinan then said that he would ask the Department of Health during the deliberations for the 2020 budget regarding its allocation for the implementation of Philippine Mental Health Law, which should include training for local government health workers.

“Part of the effort to remove the stigma on people experiencing mental health issues is ensuring they can run to the government or institutions that would help them,” the senator said.

Furthermore, Pangilinan also asked the public to help remove the stigma attached to mental illness and encourage those with mental health conditions to seek help.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated October 10. /jpv