CSU furthers mental health awareness initiatives through ‘gatekeepers’ training developed by UNILAB Foundation

Developing a pool of on-campus aid for mental health awareness, the university’s Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO) spearheaded by Joanne B. Salan, RGC, launched its RACE Against Suicide: A Gatekeeper’s Training.

The training course tackled effective responses to students’ mental health concerns through appropriate identification, management, and referral. It follows the toolkit completed by Unilab Foundation  and peer-reviewed by the Bayanihan for Wellbeing in collaboration with the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association, Psychological Association of the Philippines, Philippine Psychiatric Association, Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Philippine Pediatric Society. The Department of Education also provided full cooperation in the pilot run of this program. It is tailored for faculty members, school administrators, staff, and mental health advocates.Faculty members were identified as ‘gatekeepers’ recognizing their relationship and position to influence students to promote, protect, and provide mental health services.

CSU School of Medicine Faculty Maria Olivia D. Bating, EdD, MD, RGC served as resource person, joined virtually by Dr. Shiela Marie G. Hocson, Director of FEU Guidance and Counseling Office, and Dr. Kenneth Rose Javate, Fellow of the Philippine Psychiatric Association, Philippine Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

The event also involved the voluntary identification of First Responders for each department. These individuals will receive further training to assist and collaborate with the Guidance and Counseling Personnel during mental health crises in their respective colleges. Additionally, faculty members have signed a pledge of commitment to support students at risk of self-harm.

As of this writing, the College of Engineering and Geosciences (CEGS) and College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) have undergone the said training. The same course will be conducted among five other colleges in the university from May to August this year. | via GCO/PICO