A three-day Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Training was successfully held on October 1, 2, and 3, 2024, in Malaybalay City.
The training aims to develop and enhance the skills and knowledge of health workers involved in emergency response. The first session was conducted at The Gardens Party Venue, while the remaining sessions took place at the Old City Hall Session Hall.
The training gathered participants from the Health Emergency and Management Staff (HEMS), Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT), Barangay Health Workers (BHW) who had received training under the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (MHGAP), and personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
The goal of the event was to equip these health workers with the necessary skills to reduce stress, assist during emergencies, and manage personal crises. This preparation ensures that they are mentally and emotionally ready when responding to public health emergencies.
The training was facilitated by guest lecturers Ma. Dolores Mercado, RN, MAN, Nurse 5 and Non-Communicable Disease Cluster Program Manager of DOH Region 10, Dr. Ann Michelle C. Go, Shelleme O. Macatol, RN, Gazel Dane A. Dela Cruz, RN, and Noel Michael Mutia.
The activities during the training included lectures, film viewings, stress level assessments using the Perceived Stress Scale, group activities and interactions, the creation of personal and professional development plans, and MHPSS training.
Participants also engaged in a practicum on Psychological First Aid (PFA) with Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (PDRC). A pre- and post-examination was conducted to evaluate the participants’ learning progress.
The MHPSS training is expected to significantly improve the capacity of Malaybalay City’s health emergency responders, ensuring they are better prepared to serve the community during critical times.
Reported by: Mhegan L. Dominguez, HEPO III, CHO-NADA