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For Filipinos facing anxiety, depression, and instances of profound crisis, reachable mental health assistance continues to present a significant hurdle. The high expense, restricted access to professionals, and predominantly the unwelcome social stigma frequently deter those requiring support from pursuing help.
According to a study in Acta Medica Philippina published in 2024, over 12 million Filipinos are experiencing depression and anxiety as a result of poverty, calamities, and other socioeconomic inequalities. With millions of individuals reported to be grappling with mental health issues, regrettably, there exist only two to three mental health professionals for every 100,000 Filipinos, as stated by the National Institute of Health.
Seeking to tackle this issue while simultaneously fostering a caring community, the BingoPlus Foundation, the social advancement division of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., has made a pivotal move to close the gap in mental health care by partnering with two of the nation’s key nongovernmental organizations — LoveYourself and Bridges of Hope.
“At BingoPlus Foundation, we are dedicated to ‘multiplying the good’ by establishing impactful alliances that generate genuine outcomes,” stated Angela Camins-Wieneke, executive director of BingoPlus Foundation. “By uniting our resources, we can reinforce our mutual mission to provide mental health support to everyone, regardless of their location or situation.”
EmbracePLUS: A helpline for self-acceptance
BingoPlus Foundation collaborated with LoveYourself to create a complimentary help line that will function as the initial layer of support for individuals contending with mental health challenges — the EmbracePLUS.
Set to launch fully on October 1, EmbracePLUS is a no-cost helpline that serves as an essential first-response mechanism for individuals encountering mental health difficulties. It aims to eliminate barriers to care, offering a vital first response system that is available to all, irrespective of location or financial means.
Comprising telehealth associates equipped to deliver crucial Psychological First Aid (PFA) and counseling assistance, EmbracePLUS provides two primary contact points: assessments available through its dedicated hotlines (Smart: 0908-235-2351, Globe: 0956-392-1924) from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, and first aid support via calls during the same timing. Additionally, a 24/7 assessment feature via the EmbracePlusPH Facebook page is also being developed and will be accessible soon.
BingoPlus Foundation and LoveYourself disclosed that the new mental health helpline integrates two of their initiatives: Embrace Virtual Hub and KalusuganPLUS.
Embrace is LoveYourself’s established online health platform that focuses on immediate, confidential support, while KalusuganPLUS, which has recently implemented community-driven mental health training for initial responders at the barangay level in Cebu and General Santos, represents one of BingoPlus Foundation’s foundational health programs.
Dr. Vin Pagtakhan, founder and executive director of LoveYourself, highlighted the sustainability aspect. “Beyond raising awareness, BingoPlus Foundation’s support enhances our training capabilities for responders and operations, ensuring our initiatives are not only immediate but also sustainable,” he remarked. “This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration across sectors to develop stronger and more responsive services.”
The alliance is supported by a renewed P500,000 commitment from BingoPlus Foundation. This crucial funding aids the ongoing specialized training for telehealth associates and the operational needs of the EmbracePlus hub.
Connecting hope in a fresh space
Fueled by a strong dedication to foster a more compassionate and stigma-free society, BingoPlus Foundation consistently seeks avenues to enhance mental healthcare support.
While EmbracePLUS acts as the debut layer of assistance, a significant stride for individuals with mental health concerns, BingoPlus Foundation envisions the necessity of a reliable community for those individuals who will seek extended support.
Introducing Bridges of Hope, the nation’s most extensive network of rehabilitation and recovery private centers. With more than 15 facilities spread across Luzon to Visayas, Bridges of Hope offers treatment for addiction and mental health challenges.
Ms. Camins-Wieneke indicated that in the spirit of multiplying positivity, BingoPlus Foundation is fortifying the capacity of Bridges of Hope centers to reach more individuals through the organization’s contribution of laptops, printers, televisions, projectors, fans, musical instruments, and supplies, stating “these are beyond mere tools; they are instruments of healing, education, and hope.”
“We significantly value BingoPlus’s commitment to the welfare of their patrons and the gaming community as a whole. By collaborating closely with BingoPlus, we can guarantee that those who require assistance have access to the appropriate resources and that our gaming atmosphere is entirely safe and enjoyable,” revealed Jon Ty, chairman and CEO of Bridges of Hope.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, BingoPlus Foundation reasserts its dedication to alleviate the adversity faced by millions of Filipinos living with mental health obstacles. Through life-saving hotlines, rapid response measures, and the expansion of mental health shelters, the Foundation remains resolute in its advocacy to generate hope and foster love as it strives to restore the well-being and dignity of every Filipino. This is the action it undertakes, propelled by a steadfast commitment to serve.
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