The University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC-CON) continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to promoting mental health awareness and support, particularly for underserved communities. Through strategic partnerships and faculty development programs, UC-CON is not only enhancing mental health education but also actively contributing to the well-being of local populations.
Free Mental Health Seminar for Senior Citizens
On July 25, 2023, UC-CON partnered with the Senior Citizens Association of Barangay Sta. Escolastica in Baguio City to conduct a free seminar focused on mental health and self-awareness for senior citizens. The event was designed to address the unique challenges faced by older adults in maintaining emotional resilience and mental well-being.
The seminar featured UC-CON faculty member Gomer Ponso as the guest speaker, who provided valuable insights into mental health tailored specifically for seniors. Topics covered included practical coping mechanisms, stress management strategies, and techniques for fostering emotional stability. The seminar emphasized the importance of cultivating self-awareness and adopting positive, life-affirming practices to help senior citizens navigate the pressures that can come with aging.
By offering this free seminar, UC-CON demonstrated its dedication to making mental health resources more accessible to all members of the community, especially vulnerable groups like senior citizens who may not otherwise have access to such support. The event not only provided valuable information but also encouraged participants to embrace practices that could help them live healthier, more balanced lives.
Faculty Development in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
UC-CON is also committed to advancing the knowledge and skills of its faculty members in the field of mental health nursing. In line with this goal, three UC-CON faculty members—Lily Baludda, Wilbur Comafay, and Jonathan Ilagan—completed an intensive Advanced Course in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital. Held from May 22 to June 30, 2023, the program equipped the participants with advanced skills in managing complex mental health cases, particularly in inpatient settings.
The course covered a comprehensive range of topics, including therapeutic interventions, psychopharmacology, crisis management, and inpatient ward management. The participants also engaged in immersive in-person workshops, where they had the opportunity to practice therapeutic communication techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and team-based care approaches through case studies and simulations. This hands-on experience allowed the faculty members to enhance their clinical assessment and intervention skills, ensuring they are better prepared to address the mental health needs of patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
By investing in the professional development of its faculty, UC-CON ensures that its students receive the most up-to-date and evidence-based training in mental health nursing. This program underscores the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of care provided to individuals with mental health disorders and to foster a compassionate, patient-centered approach to mental health care.
A Continued Commitment to Mental Health
Through initiatives like the free seminar for senior citizens and the faculty’s advanced training in psychiatric nursing, UC-CON is taking meaningful steps to improve access to mental health resources and elevate the standard of care in the region. These efforts reflect the university’s broader commitment to enhancing the mental well-being of individuals in the community while ensuring that its faculty and students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the complex mental health challenges of today’s healthcare landscape.
As UC-CON continues to expand its mental health initiatives, it remains dedicated to fostering a culture of care, compassion, and resilience, helping individuals from all walks of life better manage their mental health and lead fulfilling lives.
