New Health Centre "City Barn" Launched in Tuensang to Support Youth Health and Wellbeing

The launching program of the Innovation Project by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), titled "City Barn - The Health Centre," was held on August 28 in Tuensang town, organized by the Integrated Development Society (IDS). The event was graced by special guest H. Berimong, SDO (Civil), Tuensang, and attended by prominent figures including Dr. Senilo Magh, Psychiatrist at District Hospital, Dr. Toshi, SMO at Baptist Youth Front Tuensang Town, various student organizations, teachers, DAPCU, and members of the Tuensang Town All Ward Union.
This initiative marks the fourth City Barn in Nagaland, with similar projects already established in Wokha, Dimapur, and Kohima, as part of a pilot project. The center is designed to serve youth under 24 years old, offering them a safe space for health-related information and counseling services. With three counselors available, the center provides linkages to various facilities, including Targeted Interventions (TI), Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTC), Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), Tuberculosis (TB), Hepatitis, mental health, adolescent clinics, rehabilitation, and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. Additionally, the center offers an in-house helpdesk, anonymous Q&A sessions, and screening for HIV, syphilis, and gender-based violence (GBV). Thematic health sessions and connections with specialized resource persons for youth-specific and reproductive health, mental health, addiction counseling, life skills, and career guidance are also available.
In his keynote address, N. James Chang, Chief Functionary of IDS, emphasized the alarming rise in HIV and STI cases among adolescents aged 18-24. He highlighted the importance of the City Barn as a meeting place where youth can converse, receive counseling, and access crucial health information. The center will also feature amenities like a coffee machine, soft drinks, and a selfie point to create a welcoming atmosphere for young people. Chang urged all stakeholders to take ownership of the project to foster strong connections with the youth.
Special guest H. Berimong spoke passionately about the importance of the center, noting that the targeted age group of 18-24 is a critical period in a person's life. He referred to this stage as the "storm and stress period" in educational psychology, a time when young people are particularly vulnerable and often face confusion. He acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Generation Z and Generation Alpha, driven by factors such as rapid urbanization, information technology, and artificial intelligence. Berimong stressed the need for the City Barn to provide a safe and supportive environment where young people can freely discuss their challenges and seek help. He emphasized the importance of breaking the barriers of stigmatization and social isolation, particularly for those with HIV or mental health issues.
Dr. Senilo Magh also addressed the gathering, expressing confidence in the project's potential to positively impact the youth of Tuensang. He noted that adolescence is a pivotal stage in life, where significant changes occur in the brain, offering an opportunity to overcome past traumas and prepare for the future. Magh highlighted the high prevalence of mental health disorders among adolescents, with 1 in 7 in this age group suffering from some form of mental illness. He urged the community, churches, and healthcare providers to collaborate in supporting this initiative.
The program was moderated by C. Phakmei Phom, District Resource Person (LWS), with an invocation prayer by Ben Chuba, President of the Baptist Youth Front Tuensang Town. A special performance was given by Beginner Music Station, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Meyiezol Thaprü, Centre Coordinator of City Barn.

[@LembaC-w2b]

Good initiative and helpful to our people of Tuensang and the Nagas in general. God bless the newly inaugurated project.
Thanks to PEEP HOLE Production for uploading. 👍 with lots of ❤ from citizens of Tuensang from Dmp Nagaland.

[@PeepHoleProduction]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Nouserxyz]

Where is the location of the city barn?

[@PeepHoleProduction]

Located near Akum Imlong School

[@Nouserxyz]

@@PeepHoleProduction okay 👍. Thank you.