DOH gives psychosocial support to typhoon-hit residents in Loreto, Dinagat Islands
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Fourteen members of the First Line Response Team from the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga traveled on a rescue boat to the Super Rural Health Center in Loreto, Dinagat Islands, to provide healthcare services, including mental health and psychosocial support to residents affected by Typhoon Tino.
As the lead agency of the Medical Public Health Cluster of the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), DOH-CHD Caraga on Nov. 7 served a total of 104 clients across various age groups in Loret, the area most heavily damaged by Typhoon Tino, which hit the province on Nov. 4.
Dr. Sadaila K. Raki-in, OIC-regional director of DOH-CHD Caraga, said, “The beneficiaries received mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) from the team.”
“Preparedness does not only mean physical. It is also important that we are mentally and emotionally ready even before disaster strikes. This will ensure our safety and prevent casualties,” Dr. Raki-in added. “Our team was able to provide a safe space to some victims of Typhoon Tino, where they were able to express and vent out their emotions from the experience that they had from the typhoon.”
She also shared that the team conducted medical consultations, provided free medicines per prescription, and delivered nutrition and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) interventions.
Meanwhile, Dinagat Islands Provincial Health Office (PHO) – Mental Health Hub reminded the Dinagatnons to stay psychologically prepared during disasters and strengthen resilience before, during, and after every calamity.
For PHO-Mental Health Hub, “Kung adunay bagyo, normal lang nga makalbati ta ug kahadlok, kabalaka, kalagot o kasubo. Importante nga ato ning tagdon ug tabangan ang atong kaugalingon aron dili mudako ang epekto niini sa atong mental health.
(If there is a tropical cyclone, it is normal to feel worried, fearful, angry, grief, or sad. We must be mindful of these emotions and help ourselves so these emotions will not aggravate.)
It also encourages individuals to proactively seek professional help if these emotions prevail and are affecting their mental health and well-being. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DOH-CHD Caraga)
