Hanggang Oktubre na lang ang itatagal ng crisis support hotline project na “Hopeline”, ayon sa Department of Health.

“It is unfortunate however that the DoH cannot continue funding Hopeline beyond October 2019. The DoH is required to adhere to the stringent government rules for procurement,” pahayag ng kagawaran hinggil sa proyektong inilunsad sa Pilipinas katuwang ang Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF).

Ang Hopeline ay 24/7 suicide prevention hotline na inilunsad noong 2016.

Binanggit din ng DoH na bubuo ito ng sariling crisis support hotline na pangangasiwaan ng National Center for Mental Health (NCMH).

"After several consultations, it became clear that it is necessary for DoH to set up its own crisis hotline through the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) upon the signing of the Mental Health Act of 2019,” sabi pa ng DoH.

Maaari namang makipag-ugnayan ang mga taong may mental health concern sa NCMH, sa pamamagitan ng bago nitong crisis hotlines: 0917899-USAP (8727) o 989-USAP.

Nagpahayag din ng pasasalamat ang DoH sa NGF “(for being a) reliable partner in providing hope and support for Filipinos with mental health issues.”

“Rest assured that the DoH will continue to support the advocacy of NGF to uphold the rights of all Filipinos living with mental health conditions," anang DoH.

Samantala, ipagpapatuloy pa rin ng Hopeline ang mga operasyon nito kahit ititigil na ng kagawaran ang pagsuporta sa crisis hotline.

“All of our lines are still available 24/7. You can reach us through 804-4673, 09175584673 and 2919 (toll-free for Globe and TM subscribers)," pahayag ng Hopeline sa Twitter account nito.

-Analou De Vera