Vivahealth Medical Foundation marks Mental Health Awareness Month with outreach at O’Reilly SHS

Vivahealth Medical Foundation held an outreach event at O’Reilly Senior High School in Accra on May 21, 2025. This event aimed to highlight adolescent mental health and rising psychological challenges among students. It was part of the Foundation’s Mental Health Awareness Month activities. Over 500 students and staff received education, counselling, and therapeutic support.

Dr. Olivia Mawutor, a clinical psychologist with the Ghana Armed Forces, led the sessions. She addressed the growing issue of substance abuse in senior high schools. Dr. Mawutor expressed concern about the rise of synthetic drugs like “Wonim Red.” She stated, “This is not just a public health issue; it’s a national emergency.”

Dr. Mawutor emphasized the need to identify early signs of addiction and mental health issues. Her interactive session equipped students and teachers with tools to recognize red flags. It also provided guidance on how to support distressed individuals.

The outreach was opened and closed by Lt Col Dr. Carl Nutsugah, co-founder of Vivahealth Medical Foundation. He called for a change in how society views mental health among young people. He said mental health should be treated as urgently as physical health.

Dr. Nutsugah announced that O’Reilly Senior High School has been adopted by the Foundation. Clinical psychologists will visit periodically to offer free therapy and counselling for all students and staff.

The outreach included private therapy sessions led by Mrs. Ewurasi Mante, a clinical psychologist who offered one-on-one counselling to 15 students. Many were speaking to a mental health professional for the first time.

The Foundation also donated posters and flyers for display around campus as reminders that support is available. The event was coordinated by the Foundation’s Mental Health Projects Lead, known as “Madam Mental.” Her efforts received praise from school authorities and participants alike.

Other key members included Dr. Philemon Dabrah from 37 Military Hospital and Leslie Agbagbah from Ghana Health Service. For many students, this outreach was transformative.

A second-year student shared anonymously: “I’ve been feeling lost for months, but after speaking to one of the psychologists today, I feel hopeful.”

Headmaster Francis Aniagyei expressed gratitude for the initiative and hopes for a lasting partnership with the Foundation. He noted that students now know they are not alone—a message that can save lives.

Vivahealth Medical Foundation plans to replicate this model in other senior high schools across Ghana. They remain committed to making mental health care visible, accessible, and stigma-free—one school at a time.