To mark the annual World Suicide Prevention Day last 10 September, the World Health Organization joined the formal launch of the HOPELINE Project, a 24/7 hotline for people who suffer from crisis and depression. HOPELINE was an initiative initially developed by Natasha Goulbourn Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) and Globe Telecom, which is now being expanded nationwide by the Government.
Dr Gundo Weiler, WHO Country Representative, lauded the campaign of the DOH and its partners to break the social isolation felt by many Filipinos today, which may lead them to commit suicide. “This initiative to provide counselling and support to individuals in emotional and mental crises is a crucial step. Some people will turn to a trusted friend, a family member, or a health professional. Others will turn to a hotline and to a crisis line that has been set-up,” Dr Weiler said. “This is why it is important to create and offer a range of opportunities for people who need support.”
It is estimated that about 800,000 people die by suicide globally each year. In the Philippines, the estimated number of suicides in 2012 was 2,558 or a suicide rate of 2.9 per 100,000 population. The country, however, ranked the lowest in suicide rates in comparison with other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. The Philippines ranks 150 out of 170 countries in terms of suicide rates.
HOPELINE Project is part of the DOH’s move to bridge the gap in the mental health services in the country in line with the tagline ‘All for Health, Towards Health for All’ which aims to have better health outcomes for every Filipino. “I am pleased to present the country’s national suicide hotline to our fellow Filipinos. Finally, there’s a hotline for us to call when we experience psychological and emotional issues. We are very optimistic that we can fully implement HOPELINE and address mental health issues in an innovative way,” Health Secretary Rosell-Ubial said.
Started in Cebu, the HOPELINE Project will now cover the entire country to support emotionally distressed individuals as well as their families. The HOPELINE hotlines, which are confidential, are: (02) 805-HOPE (4673); 0917.558 HOPE (4673) and 2919 (toll-free for Globe and TM).