Making mental health care accessible to more Filipinos
The country’s healthcare system struggles to meet the needs of Filipinos, so any help from concerned individuals and institutions can go a long way.
Such support becomes even more meaningful when it addresses stigmatized illnesses such as mental health issues.
Free help channel
This is what the EmbracePLUS helpline and Bridges of Hope centers respond to: cases of depression and anxiety brought about by poverty, disasters, and other factors that, according to a 2024 journal in Acta Medica Philippina, affect more than 12 million Filipinos.
EmbracePLUS is a free help channel that started full operations on Oct. 1, in time for the commemoration of the Mental Health Awareness Month. Bridges of Hope, meanwhile, is the country’s largest network of rehabilitation and recovery private centers, with over 15 facilities in Luzon and Visayas.
Both received support from BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
Sustainable programs
EmbracePLUS is a collaboration between BingoPlus Foundation and LoveYourself, combining KalusuganPLUS and Embrace Virtual Hub, respectively. A ceremonial signing was held on Sept. 19.
A P500,000 commitment from the foundation supports specialized training for telehealth associates, and operational expenses for the EmbracePLUS hub.
“[The partnership ensures] our programs are not only immediate but also sustainable,” said Dr. Vin Pagtakhan, founder and executive director of LoveYourself. “This collaboration highlights the value of working together across sectors to create stronger and more responsive services.”
EmbracePLUS offers
reliable assessments and first-aid assistance over the phone from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. daily. A 24/7 assessment feature will soon be available via the EmbracePlusPH Facebook page.
Those who seek long-term support, meanwhile, may head over to a Bridges of Hope shelter where they can receive help for depression, anxiety and addiction.
Access to right resources
BingoPlus Foundation supported the organization through a donation of laptops, printers, televisions, projectors, fans, music instruments and supplies. These were handed over on Sept. 29.
“We deeply appreciate BingoPlus’ commitment to the well-being of their patrons and the gaming community as a whole. By working hand in hand with BingoPlus, we can ensure that those who need support have access to the right resources, and that our gaming environment is all safe and enjoyable,” noted Jon Ty, chairman and CEO of Bridges of Hope.
At present, there are only two to three mental health workers available for every 100,000 Filipinos, according to the National Institute of Health. It’s a dire ratio that the above initiatives will help ease.
“At BingoPlus Foundation, we believe in ‘multiplying the good’ by forging meaningful partnerships that create real impact,” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, executive director of BingoPlus Foundation. “By combining our resources, we can strengthen our shared mission to make mental health support accessible to everyone, no matter their location or circumstance.”
