DOH coordinates with DepEd for basic training module on suicide prevention in schools

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said it is coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd) in creating basic training module on suicide prevention in schools.

Lindsay Orsolino of the DOH Mental Health Division and Designing Behaviors for Mental Wellness said this training module will not be totally integrated in the overall curriculum of the DepEd but intended to guide both teaching and non-teaching staff of the schools.

“This basic training modules on suicide prevention in schools are intended for both teaching and non-teaching staff to capacitate them in select competencies including 'yung skills on early identification and assessment of suicide risks, 'yung mga psychological first aid and active listening, suicide communication and safety planning, and suicide prevention protocol or policy drafting,” Orsolino said during DOH Kapihan forum.

She said this will be “tailor fitted” to the respective schools.

Orsolino said at least 42 education managers from DepEd, bureau chief, technical staff, principals, guidance counselors, teachers, medical and administrative staff participated during the training.

She said this initiative is also part of the technical assistance by the World Health Organization and Australian government.

“The DOH is also in close coordination with the DepEd as to the next steps of this initiative,” she added.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier vowed to support mental health facilities across the country and strengthen community-based mental health programs.

Vergeire said the number of calls to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)’s crisis hotline increased in the first quarter of 2021.

Citing data from the NCMH, she said a total of 3,006 calls were made to the 0917 899 8727 (USAP) and 989 8727 (USAP) hotlines from January 1 to March 15 in 2021. Of this number, 867 were related to suicide.

The most common reasons for calling the NCMH hotline were anxiety and depression, stressful life events, interpersonal concerns, mood concerns, and referral services.—AOL, GMA Integrated News