Vivahealth Medical Foundation spearheaded a crucial mental health outreach program at O’Reilly Senior High School in Accra, Ghana, on May 21, 2025, as part of their Mental Health Awareness Month activities. This initiative underscores a growing concern regarding the escalating mental health challenges faced by adolescents, particularly the alarming rise of substance abuse, including the dangerous “Wonim Red” trend. The outreach aimed to educate students and staff, offer counselling services, and provide much-needed therapeutic support within the school environment. The event signifies the Foundation’s commitment to proactive intervention and destigmatizing mental health issues among young people.
Dr. Olivia Mawutor, a clinical psychologist with the Ghana Armed Forces, led the educational sessions, addressing a significant audience of over 500 students and teachers. She emphasized the urgency of recognizing the early warning signs of various mental health conditions, including addiction, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. Dr. Mawutor highlighted the “Wonim Red” pandemic as a national emergency, underscoring the need for schools and families to be equipped to identify and address these issues effectively. Her interactive presentation provided practical guidance on approaching distressed students, referring them for professional help, and cultivating a supportive school environment.
The outreach was further strengthened by the presence of Mrs. Ewurasi Mante, a seasoned banker and certified clinical psychologist, who provided individual counselling and therapy sessions to 15 students. This personalized approach offered a vital opportunity for students who may have never had access to mental health professionals before. The Foundation also distributed informative flyers and posters throughout the school campus, serving as constant reminders and resource guides for both students and teachers. This multifaceted approach ensured a comprehensive and impactful outreach, addressing both immediate needs and long-term support.
Lt Col Dr. Carl Nutsugah, co-founder of Vivahealth Medical Foundation and an ENT specialist at the 37 Military Hospital, officially opened and closed the event. His powerful message stressed the critical need to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness, particularly among teenagers. He emphasized that mental health deserves the same attention and urgency as physical health, advocating for an environment where young people feel safe seeking help. Significantly, he announced O’Reilly Senior High School’s adoption by the Foundation, ensuring ongoing access to free therapy and counselling for both students and staff through periodic visits by clinical psychologists.
The success of the outreach was further bolstered by the meticulous planning and execution of the Foundation’s Mental Health Projects Lead, along with the contributions of Dr. Philemon Dabrah, a general practitioner, and Leslie Agbagbah, a disease control officer. Their combined expertise ensured the smooth running of the program, demonstrating the Foundation’s commitment to providing comprehensive and well-organized mental health services. The positive feedback from students, including expressions of newfound hope and relief, and the school’s enthusiastic embrace of the partnership underscore the program’s immediate and potential long-term impact.
Vivahealth Medical Foundation’s initiative at O’Reilly Senior High School exemplifies their broader mission of providing accessible and quality healthcare services, medical education, and outreach programs across Ghana, with a particular focus on underserved communities. Through mental health campaigns, medical missions, and youth-focused interventions, the Foundation is actively working to bridge the healthcare gap and ensure that mental health is prioritized and destigmatized. With plans to replicate this model across other senior high schools, Vivahealth Medical Foundation is demonstrating a deep commitment to improving the mental well-being of Ghana’s youth, one school at a time. This initiative demonstrates a significant step towards creating a more supportive and understanding environment for young people struggling with mental health challenges.
