The Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC) launched recently a Mental Wellness Hub dubbed as Selah.
Located within the compound of DOPMC in the City of Mati, Selah is opened to address initially the mental needs of the hospital’s healthcare workers.
Selah, accorded as first of its kind in the nation, is a project of the provincial government of Davao Oriental, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the FHI 360.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Soliman Guirgis of FHI 360 lauded the provincial government for its tireless efforts to create a safe haven for the mental health of its people.
Governor Nino Sotero Uy, on the other hand, emphasized that beyond dealing with the mental well-being of the healthcare workers, he aspires to expand and magnify the services of Selah to cater residents with mental health issues soon.
“We acknowledge the need to reach out to more people in our community who are battling silently with mental health issues,” the Governor Uy said.
The local chief executive also called on everyone to “take an active role in raising awareness about mental health, breaking down the stigma of barriers, and offering assistance to those in need.”
“Let us take time to care and listen to each one. A simple “Hi, how are you? Kumusta man ka?” can go a long way and can be an instrument to save someone from drowning in his mental struggle,” the governor encouraged.
The governor further noted that the Mental Wellness Hub represents a pivotal period in the provincial government’s approach to mental health as it sets out on its mission to offer comfort and support to its people. (mlu/PIA Davao Oriental/Photos by Provincial Government of Davao Oriental.
