Selah: Championing Mental Wellness for Davao Oriental's Healthcare Heroes

Amid the growing global recognition of mental health's significance, Selah: Davao
Oriental Mental Wellness Hub emerges as a response to a pressing need. Following the
COVID-19 pandemic's challenges, particularly for frontline healthcare workers, the Davao
Oriental Medical Center (DOPMC) has taken a resolute step to establish Selah as a haven
of mental support and healing.
Located at the DOPMC Compound, City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Selah is a
testament to our facility’s proactive stance on mental well-being. This innovative initiative
signifies a remarkable shift in how we attempt to address the mental health needs of our
staff, especially the healthcare workers serving our communities.
As the pandemic raged on, healthcare workers found themselves grappling with
unprecedented demands. The relentless hours, emotionally charged situations, and the
constant threat of infection took a considerable toll on their mental health. Thus, Selah's
inception was a direct response to this urgent need for mental health support.
More than just a physical space, Selah offers a haven for holistic healing. In a society
that often overlooks self-care, Selah is a reminder that taking care of mental well-being is
an act of strength. The hub provides healthcare workers a chance to step back from their
demanding roles and experience relaxation and introspection – a vital boost for mental
health.
Selah's support extends beyond its calming environment. Collaborating with
mental health organizations and experts, Selah provides immediate assistance through
psychological first aid and counseling. These services aim to alleviate distress and equip
individuals with practical coping mechanisms.
Furthermore, Selah serves as a bridge to connect healthcare workers with mental
health professionals for more intensive therapy if needed. Currently, the hub works with
the Personnel Health Services Unit (PHESU) of the hospital to integrate psychological
evaluations into the Annual Physical Examination (APE) process. This early intervention
ensures potential mental health concerns are promptly identified and addressed.
The inauguration of Selah on August 9, 2023, marked an important step for
DOPMC and the broader healthcare community, being the first of its kind in the
Philippines. Its realization was a result of collective efforts involving the DOPMC, the
Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, FHI 360 (USAID's implementing arm in the
Philippines), the National Center for Mental Health, and the Department of Health. This
collaborative spirit underscores a shared commitment to addressing the mental health
needs of healthcare workers through pooled resources, expertise, and advocacy.
The creation of Selah signifies a transformation in the perception and prioritization
of mental health. By placing the well-being of healthcare workers front and center, the
DOPMC sets a powerful example for other healthcare institutions. As Selah takes its first
steps, DOPMC underscores its dedication to nurturing not only the physical health but
also the mental and emotional well-being of those who dedicate themselves to the service
of others- its healthcare heroes.
For more information, kindly contact the Provincial Mental Health Program
Manager, Rezmarquel Pann, through his mobile number 0917 132 9091.

The launch of Selah: Davao Oriental Mental Wellness Hub is a significant milestone in our province's journey towards prioritizing
mental health. Stakeholders and partners gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion and to reaffirm their commitment to
providing support to the mental health needs of the community.

Members of the resiliency team, hospital staff, and representatives from other PLGU offices undergo Mental Health and
Psychosocial Support Training in preparation for the opening of Selah. The training was conducted by the National
Center for Mental Health, funded by the USAID through FHI 360.
Related Resources:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NpWF5PfkCwRze3YYqM6PQ2IA5qfxiJtb?usp=s
haring
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1po6Qiub8A8csurCgyImrJxeYo-
n6EsHv?usp=drive_link
Contact Details:

Reden V. Bersaldo, MD, MCHA

Provincial Health Officer II

087-3884-174

Prepared by: Noted and Endorsed by:

Reden V. Bersaldo, MD, MCHA Hon. Niño Sotero L. Uy, Jr.

Provincial Health Officer II Governor