39 fruitful years for PMHA

WE CELEBRATED 39 fruitful years of the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Bacolod-Negros Occidental Chapter last week.

The PMHA, a non-government organization dedicated to the promotion of mental health and prevention of mental disorders, marked the celebration with weeklong festivities from June 22 to 26.

The first two days were focused on media advocacies through guesting on ABS-CBN’s The Morning Show, interview on Radyo Veritas and DYVS, and in this column and an advertisement for print media.

The highlight of the week was the general assembly of benefactors, partners, members, volunteers, and friends with a Thanksgiving Mass and Program at the PMHA Building on June 25 –the founding date.

A Mass was celebrated by Fr. Romuald Algyn Ma. Nopre. A newsletter was distributed to everyone. It was attended by about 65 well-wishers from the government, non-government, schools, and other sectors of the community.

The officers of PMHA’s youth partners, the Psychological Societies Association on Mental Health (PSAMH), were inducted on the afternoon of June 25 at the PMHA Conference Room. Fifteen psychology students were recognized.

Another big event was a psychiatric mission in partnership with the Provincial Health Office on June 26 at the Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City. Thirty-six clients from the CHICKS (Candoni, Hinobaan, Ilog, Cauayan, Kabankalan and Silapay) area were seen by the psychologists and consulted with the psychiatrists. The patients also availed of free medicines from the Province of Negros Occidental, PMHA and Beracah.

Sixty caregivers and hospital personnel attended the lecture on “Caring for Mental Health” given by the PMHA Board Members while the mission was going on.

The PMHA-Bacolod will continue to deliver its programs and services to the community as more and more Bacolodnons and Negrenses value the importance of having a sound mind.