DOH holds Suicide Prevention Forum in Capiz

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ — Sixteen suicides have been recorded in Capiz from Jan. 1 to Sept. 10, 2024, according to the Capiz Provincial Police Office (CPPO).

In response to the alarming number of cases, the Department of Health (DOH) hosted a Suicide Prevention Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Veronica Hotel in Pueblo de Panay, Roxas City.

The event coincided with World Suicide Prevention Day and aimed to highlight the importance of mental health awareness.

The forum was organized by the Capiz Provincial Health Office (PHO), in collaboration with local doctors, media partners, and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Capiz.

According to data from the Police Regional Office 6, 199 suicides were logged in Western Visayas from January to June 2023.

Negros Occidental reported the highest number of cases with 53, followed by Iloilo Province with 52, Aklan with 25, Capiz with 21, Antique with 14, Iloilo City with 13, Guimaras with 12, and Bacolod City with 9.

During the forum, experts discussed the warning signs of suicide and ways to prevent it. Suicide is a significant public health issue with long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities.

The good news, experts emphasized, is that suicide is preventable.

Prevention strategies are needed at every level of society, including individual, family, and community interventions.

Promoting resilience, learning the warning signs, and fostering social change can help prevent suicide.

Those in need of mental health services may call the following:

DOH WV CHD Mental Health Program

Smart: 0998 532 4047

Facebook Page: MH Connect/Facebook

Iloilo Provincial Health and Social Welfare and Development Offices (PRIME)

Smart: 0998 539 6704/ 0946 539 7929

Globe: 0915 542 6885/ 0977 122 0327

Aklan Provincial Health Office

Smart: 0970 599 9734

Antique Provincial Health Office

Smart: 0928 341 8475

Globe: 0966 166 5255

Capiz Provincial Health Office

Smart: 0921 991 2064

Globe: 0916 241 1596

lloilo City Health Office

Landline: (033) 315-3012

Facebook Page: lloilomhpss

Negros Occidental Health Office

Globe: 0965 982 1851

Smart: 0961 572 9197

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