District Mental Health Programme in collaboration with Longleng District Legal Services Authority organised the World Mental Health Day under the theme “Access to Services - Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”, at VCC & VDB Hall, Longleng.

Resource person, Dr. Lipok Phom, Nodal Officer DMHP, District Hospital, Longleng apprised on the theme  "Access to Services - Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies". He expressed that Catastrophes and Emergencies  includes natural disasters like floods, earthquake, or man-made crises that impact mental well-being. Ensuring people get mental health support during such crises is critical which involve timely interventions - Availability of mental health professionals. He later stated that Mental Health Support includes counseling, psychiatric care, and legal aid to address trauma, stress, or other mental health impacts post-crisis. 

P Monyei Phom, Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel sensitised on the Rights and penalties of the mentally ill person. She also highlighted the legal services to mental ill and mentally disabled persons schemes 2015. She urged the audience to utilize available mental health services and seek help through LDLSA, and expressed on importance of reaching out for support during difficult times and highlighted the role of LDLSA in providing legal assistance related to mental health issues.  

Panglang Y Phom, Retainer Lawyer, LDLSA delivered vote of thanks and closing remark. Later M Lithei Phom, DSRC Counsellor, District Hospital, Longleng chaired the program. K Niamla, Associate Pastor for Women, LTBC invoked God's blessings, hile L Ongdok Phom, Psychiatric Social Worker, DMHP DH, delivered the keynote address. Around 18 participants from various NGOs attended the programme.

(Manjong IA Longleng)