Due to the pandemic, a lot of us experiences mental health problems. Therefore, Globe and NGF expanded their collaboration with HealthNow to incorporate the hotline Hopeline in their existing telehealth services.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects more than 264 million people of all ages worldwide. Suicide is the second largest cause of mortality among 15-29-year-olds, accounting for about 800,000 deaths per year. Depression is also a major cause of disability globally.
Since the pandemic last year, depression and other mental health issues have been on the rise. New Good Feelings (NGF) Mindstrong’s 24/7 suicide hotline HOPELINE alone received 30,452 calls in 2020, a 250 percent increase from 8,610 calls in 2019.
They launched this HOPELINE in 2012 with Globe that serves as its technology partner. Now, HealthNow joined the partnership of Globe and NGF to reach out to more customers who needed immediate crisis assistance. This is to de-escalate their heightened emotions and provide direction and information during critical times, especially in this pandemic.
HealthNow
HealthNow is a mobile application that allows users to chat with a doctor, order medication for delivery, and soon, arrange clinic appointments without leaving their homes.
Currently, the app features over 600 doctors from various specialties throughout the country. PWD/SC discounts are also recognized and accepted for consultations and pharmaceutical purchases. HealthNow is a collaboration between 917Ventures, the country’s largest corporate venture builder and a fully owned subsidiary of Globe, and AC Health.
“Our vision in HealthNow is to make healthcare accessible for every Filipino in a tap. Mental health support continues to be very critical at this time, and so we’re happy to be renewing our collaboration with NGF to ensure our users get the right care they need when they need it most,” said Beia Latay, HealthNow CEO.
Through HealthNow, Globe and TM subscribers can contact the NGF HOPELINE for FREE whenever they need to talk with someone. On the HealthNow app’s welcome screen, look for the HOPELINE button under the Urgent Help button.
“We understand how difficult it is for many people with depression to open up because of the stigma that goes with it. At this time, when we are trying to cope with social restrictions and the uncertainties of COVID-19, it becomes even more necessary to have access to professional help. Globe is empowering its customers who are struggling with mental health to do just that,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.
The implementation of HOPELINE in HealthNow is part of Globe’s ongoing efforts to raise mental health awareness in the Philippines. It also established Hope Bank, an online support group for frontline workers and patients suffering from COVID-19 and other disorders.
If need more information about HealthNow, you can download it from Play Store for Android, and App Store for iOS devices.
To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.
