1st Bicol Mental Health Congress highlights National Mental Health Week 2013 Celebration

By: Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Oct 9 (PIA) – This year, the local chief executives, the committee on health chairperson of the Legislative Council, the social welfare and development and health officers, and coordinators of mental health coming from the different municipalities, cities and provinces in the Bicol region will gather together in one big event, the 1^st Bicol Mental Health Congress, to be held in Legazpi City on October 10, 2013.

According to Sorsogon Provincial Health Officer Dr. Edgar F. Garcia, Jr., the event is the first ever mental health congress to be conducted in Bicol and will highlight this year's celebration of the National Mental Health Week.

This was organized by the Sorsogon Provincial Health Office in coordination with the Center for Health Development (CHD)-Bicol and in partnership with Simon of Cyrene Children’s Rehabilitation and Development Foundation Inc., Holy Face Center For Mental Health and Sorsogon Integrated Health Services Foundation Incorporated (SIHSFI).  “These organizations have been closely working together for the advocacy and promotion of Mental Health Day which is yearly celebrated on October 10,” he said.

“During the event, speakers will share inputs and best practices on mental health issues to the participants who also serve as our partners in raising the public’s awareness on mental health and related issues,” Dr. Garcia added.

The overview of the implementation of Mental Health Care in Bicol will be presented by Dr. Evy Sarmiento, the Regional Mental Health Coordinator.

Ms. Dolly A. Regalado, Mental Health Specialist from Simon of Cyrene Children’s Rehabilitation and Development Foundation Inc. will present the various initiatives they employed as partners in the promotion of mental health care in the communities.

Under the topic Mental Health and Older Adults, Community Based Rehab Coordinator in Bicol Mr. Wilfredo Reyes, will discuss the state of aging and share tips on how to cope with aging.

Psychiatrist Dr. Angeli Lorbes-Morico will present the common mental disorders in the elderly including substance abuse, dependence and related disorders; while Psychiatrist Dr. Aimee Marie Nobleza will discuss the topic “A Guide to Mental Wellness in Older Age: Care for the Carers”.

Meanwhile, a testimony on the implementation of mental health program in the community will be shared by the provincial and municipal health officers of Catanduanes province.

National Mental Health Week is celebrated annually on the second week of October pursuant to Proclamation No. 452, which was signed in 1994 by former President Fidel V. Ramos. (BARecebido, PIA-5/Sorsogon)