“This is an improvement and an increase in efficiency for accessibility to Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center’s delivery of service. So again, we are really on the road to use automation and technology to improve the service that our government provides to the people of Guam,” says Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.
With the public health emergency ending, demands for mental health services are increasing. Guam’s three telecommunications providers: IT&E, Docomo Pacific, and GTA have worked together with Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center to create a pilot project called, Project Tulaika.
Tulaika, meaning change in the Chamoru language will allow for the youth ages 16 – 25 to aid their transition into adulthood.
The SMS service allows Guam Behavioral Health and its patients to better communicate to reduce no-show rates, alert patients for medication, and more. All three telecommunications companies have agreed to waive fees for GBHWC and their clients.
Alyssa Roberto, Director of Project Tulaika also discusses what the project has to offer. This project helps the youth who struggle with mental health, homelessness, unemployment, and education.
“We really try to meet them halfway, how we can activate their natural support and get them functioning in their communities. A lot of them do want to participate in services but they experience barriers of communication and transportation. So now with this additional service, we’d be able to connect with them more to find out how we can reach them, stay connected, and just continue providing treatment to them and also working with their families,” says Roberto.
Theresa Arriola, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center Director says that Project Tulaika will be very accessible for everyone.
“We are going to see this in several languages– English, CHamoru, Pohnpeian, and Chuukese translation will be completed,” says Arriola.
The project launches February 7.
Contact Jannette Samson | E-mail: jannette@spbguam.com | Phone: 671-689-2842
