As part of its mission to promote the well-being of Dabawenyos, the City’s Mental Wellness Center for the Homeless (MWCH) continues to provide services to people with mental health issues.
The MWCH has catered to 297 outpatients from January to December 2024. At least 24 patients were admitted between January and December 2024.
The center offers comprehensive inpatient for homeless individuals, outpatient, and psychological services to those who are facing mental health problems.
Dr. Luis Antonio Flores, manager of the MWCH, said all health centers across Davao City also offer mental health services.
“Dili lang necessary mulinya sila sa SPMC (Southern Philippines Medical Center), pwede pod sa mga health centers nato kay equip naman ang mga doctors nato kay trained man na sila pinaagi sa Mental Health Gap Action Program (They can visit our health facilities instead of having to wait in line at the SPMC Southern Philippines Medical Center because our doctors are equipped and have received training from the Mental Health Gap Action Program),” Flores said in an interview with the city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio.
He also said family members can determine whether their child needs assistance by looking for signs such as unexpected behavioral changes, loss of appetite, and excessive or insufficient sleep.
“Usually ang tao naa man gyud siya’y routine nga ilang ginabuhat kada adlaw, so, kung ang tao mukalas sa routine or naa nay mga risky behavior nga ginabuhat, kana, warranted na sila nga magpa-check up na (Usually, people follow a pattern every day, so, if they deviate from it or engage in dangerous behaviors, they should be examined),” he said.
He also urged Dabawenyos, especially those who want consultations, to go to their office at the SPMC-IPBM Compound, C.M. Recto Street, Poblacion District. Dabawenyos may also contact them at 244- 2255 or the City Heath Office hotlines: 0927-604-5797 (Globe & Viber); 0939-340-5675 and 0961-526-2861 (Smart & Viber); and 0906-367-4671 (Globe). CIO
