by Virginia L. Narciso, MD
In an effort to harness the potential of young Abreños in promoting health initiatives, the Department of Health – Center for Health Development Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CHD CAR), through its Local Health Support Division (LHSD), recently conducted the Finalization of the Restructuring of the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) in Ritz Hotel, Baguio City.
The meeting, which convened representatives from the North and Central Luzon Cluster, Abra Provincial Health Office, academe, and Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), served as a follow-up activity towards reactivating the VYLH in the province after years of inactivity. In the past, the CAR was lauded as one of the first regions in the country to organize VYLHs across its provinces.
The VYLH taps the youth who are willing to volunteer their time and efforts to advocate for healthy practices which include newborn screening (NBS) for the early detection of congenital health conditions among infants as well as folic acid supplementation, preconception health, and awareness campaigns on rare diseases.
Ms. Nikki dela Cruz, NLCL secretariat presented the proposed VYLH Organizational Chart for CAR, along with the proposed roles and functions of each member and stakeholder. DOH-CAR CHD Local Support and Health Division Chief Dr. Virginia L. Narciso noted that since the organization is driven by volunteerism, it was important for such functions to be discussed and modified by the attendees to ensure that these are clearly defined, properly delineated, and actionable.
Dr. Narciso also pushed for plans to likewise reorganize the VYLH in other areas of the region, eyeing Baguio City and Benguet as next in line.
