Jennifer C. Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY,
Sept. 28 (PIA) -- The Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Cebu and
Dumaguete Chapters conducted an “Awareness on Mental Health Act” forum recently
to generate a signature drive pushing for the Philippine Mental
Health Act of 2015 to be legislated into a law.
Philippine Mental Health Act of
2015, passed by Senator Pia Cayetano, promotes the mental well-being of
patients, protects those who have mental illness, and ensures that Filipinos
can have a mental health care.
PMHA Chair Dr. Glenda Basubas, a
speaker in the forum, said that 6% to 15% of Filipinos are likely have
depression.
"Everyone also has one percent
possibility of breaking down," said Basubas.
Children, overseas Filipino workers,
people with chronic illnesses, are some of those who are vulnerable to mental
illnesses.
The signature campaign’s website is
MHactnow.org. Once a supporter registers, it will be counted as a petition.
One of PMHA’s ways of spreading
awareness on mental health is to visit different universities in the country.
Some universities they have visited
are Cebu Normal University, Cebu Doctors University, Negros Oriental State
University, and Silliman University. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental with reports
from Andrea Lim, SU intern)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1111443424035/pmha-pushes-for-philippine-mental-act-of-2015#sthash.2xerONjg.dpuf