The city government through the Mental Health, Substance Use, and Wellness Unit (MHSUWU) of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) rescued another person with mental health condition who was found roaming the streets.
MHSUWU Coordinator Ricky Ducas Jr. RN PhD said the patient is a 62-year-old man who was a former client of the unit.
“He found wandering along the sidewalk last March 3 and a rescue operation was immediately conducted through the joint efforts of MHSUWU, Baguio City Emergency Medical Services (BCEMS), Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Officer (OCSWDO) and student interns from Saint Louis University and Pines City Colleges,” Ducas said.
The patient was said to be “responsive and calm” albeit he exhibited symptoms of active psychosis during the rescue, according to the MHSUWU.
He was later transported to the hospital through the immediate assistance of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center-Operation Center (BGHMC OpCen) where he received urgent care and evaluation to determine the appropriate interventions.
Ducas said the MHWU continues to provide support and care to its mental health clients including the psychotic vagrants in the city through interventions such as the conduct of bathing and personal hygiene sessions especially for the roamers.
He said efforts are also sustained to coordinate with the families of these patients especially the roamers and those estranged with their loved ones.
In cases where families can not be traced, the office explores sustainable support options to prevent further wandering and ensure long-term stability.
He appealed to families of the patients to help the office reinforce the importance of medication adherence and routine care among the patients.
Aside from compassionate programs on psychotic vagrancy, the unit also provides assistance for persons with mental health conditions by undertaking psychosocial support and community immersion activities to help them cope with their diseases.
“Healing stems from addressing clients’ needs as well, not just from providing them medication. By choosing life and continuing to live, let us all be kind to one another and help each other. Mental health matters, and so do you,” the unit reminded. – Baguio City Public Information Office
