Community Mental Health Programme (CMHP)

Supporting by Azim Premji Foundation

Goal:

To create accessibility of mental health services at block level.

To change the behavior of the community to seek treatment for mental health problems as they do for other physical ailments.

To prevent homelessness due to mental illness.

A life with dignity in the family as well as in the community for the person suffering from mental illness.

The Community Mental Health Programme has been implemented by Morigaon Mahila Mehfil since June 2020. The programme initially covered 92 revenue villages in Bhurbandha Block and subsequently expanded to 99 villages in Mayong Block of Morigaon District, Assam.

Under the programme, 10 Community Health Workers (CHWs) identify persons with mental health conditions, including Severe Mental Disorders (SMD), Common Mental Disorders (CMD), and Epilepsy, as well as children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) within the community.

The identified patients are referred to regular health camps for assessment and treatment. Psychiatrists provide consultation and treatment to persons with mental health conditions, while Clinical Psychologists and Special Educators provide assessment, intervention, and support to children with IDD. Medicines are also provided to eligible patients. Every month, two mental health camps and four IDD intervention camps are organized.

The programme also includes regular follow-up of patients, psychoeducation and counselling for patients and caregivers, community awareness programmes on mental health and mental illness, workshops, and disability certification camps. These activities aim to improve access to mental health services, reduce stigma, strengthen family and community support, and promote the inclusion and well-being of persons with mental health conditions and disabilities.

To date, a total of 5,922 patients have received services under this programme.