PLDT-Smart Foundation advocates mental health support for frontline healthcare workers and patients

Through the assistance of Makati Medical Center Foundation

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The PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) recently provided 2,000 psycho-social wellness kits for frontline healthcare workers and patients in isolation at various COVID hospitals and quarantine facilities.  

The wellness kits include recreational materials, hygiene items and Information, Education, Communication (IEC) materials on coping with COVID-19.

The health facilities that received these kits include Pasig City Children’s Hospital, Pasig City General Hospital, Rizal Medical Center, Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Quarantine Facility, the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Marine Corps.

This mental health advocacy is in support of the Makati Medical (MakatiMed) Center Foundation’s Week of Wellness (WOW) Program.  MMC Radiology Nurse Maria Geneva A. Felix is one of the recipients of the wellness kit. According to Felix, while dealing with patients amid the pandemic has been challenging.

“In adapting to the new normal, it is important that we follow proper guidelines, which helps in fighting this virus. When we strictly follow these guidelines, we are not only protecting ourselves but other people as well,” Felix said.

“We are committed to supporting our country’s frontline healthcare workers. We hope that these wellness kits have provided our frontliners with a sense of comfort as they combat this pandemic,” said PSF President Esther Santos.

Moreover, in partnership with the MMC Section of Psychiatry, the MakatiMed Foundation recently organized Project NaSHOEnalism. The project is designed to advocate the true spirit of altruism while celebrating our health heroes.

Work shoes were provided as a special prize to chosen frontline healthcare workers. The project is in partnership with the PSF and through the support of PLDT Public Affairs Deputy Head and sneaker expert Carlo Ople and World Balance Philippines.

 From the period of June 12 to 19, frontline workers nominated a health organization or uniformed sector of their choice as a way to recognize the brave efforts of our health heroes.

Four frontline MMC health workers and their nominated public sector partners were chosen as winners. These were Ofelia Abayan who nominated the Philippine National Police, Ormalyn Bayting who nominated the Philippine Army, Jessica Cruz who nominated the National Center for Mental Health and Vina Seno who nominated Ospital ng Malabon.

 “In our own way, we want to pay tribute to our modern-day heroes who bravely put themselves out there to keep us safe. We hope that through this NaSHOEnalism Project by the MakatiMed Foundation and the PSF, we are able to provide them a bit of hope and joy,” said PLDT Public Affairs Deputy Head Carlo Ople.

 “Aside from ensuring health security amidst the pandemic, what we bring to our beneficiaries is peace of mind and a joyful heart through these WOW Kits. We salute our private sector partners specially PLDT-Smart Foundation, TV Alagang Kapatid Foundation, McDonalds Kindness Kitchen, Medichem, SteraMist Asia and Philippine Airlines for helping us advocate mental health and wellness for all,” added MakatiMed Foundation Executive Director Marge Barro.

To know more about the efforts of the PLDT Group in beating the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit https://beta.pldt.com/covid19. END