Dr. Roland Cortez, Chief of National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), in an online conference, presented the status of the center and some thought programs to be implemented to help fight mental problems caused by the COVID-19 and the Extended Enhanced Community Quarantine. He assures the members of the media that they are ready to handle the difficulties and the mandate of their work at the same time.

During the presentation, Dr. Cortez updated the members of the media with the status of NCMH. According to him, the center has been affected by the virus, but they were able to contain the situation. Sixteen (16) of its in-patients were affected by the disease out of the 3,200 patients that they have. So far, only one (1) had recovered from the virus. The center made sure that the affected patients are brought and taken care of at the converted isolation room.

According to Dr. Cortez, they are planning to have more programs aside from their existing ones to help both the individuals and the frontliners. One of their programs is the Helpline about COVID-19, which you can call at 0917-899-USAP (8727) or the 989-USAP (8727). It is the center's communications numbers for individuals seeking help.

With the extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, they are planning to have additional doctors for individuals who seek consultation to address their uneasiness and worry.

For the frontliners, the center plans to add additional programs aside from the existing ones that they have, like the plan to limit the frontliners time in the hospitals to avoid too much exposure and the possibility of contracting the disease, plan to provide sleeping quarters or room for those who don't want to go home yet to protect their family, overtime pay, monetary considerations, and other benefits if ever they got sick during their duty as frontliners.

These are some of the plans that are expected to help a lot of Filipino individuals and frontliners. If you require assistance, you can contact them at their helpline for consultation the USAP TAYO line 0917-899-USAP (8727) or the 989-USAP (8727).