The National Health Service (SNS) took its first «Unite for Mental Health» walk on the occasion of World Mental Health Day to raise awareness of emotional well-being, promote the search for professional help and combat stigma associated with these conditions.
During the activity, the executive director of SNS, Dr. Julio César Landron, reported that the Public Network has 450 beds for mental health care and 54 units in hospitals in the country.
Landron called for a strengthening of prevention and for ensuring decent, timely and human quality services. He also warned that mental health problems continue to be surrounded by silence, shame and fear of rejection, and therefore considered it necessary to promote empathy and accompaniment.
«To recognize that we need help is an act of courage. Talking to a mental health professional can be the first step to recover well-being and find new reasons to move on,» he said.
The staff member called for attention to such signs as persistent sadness, anxiety that makes daily activities difficult, isolation, major changes in sleep or appetite and loss of interest in regular activities, to seek professional guidance when necessary.
He also said that mental health should be given the same respect and care as any other medical condition, and urged families and communities to listen without judging those who are experiencing emotional difficulties.
Landron also highlighted the collaboration with the National Drug Council to promote prevention, treatment and rehabilitation actions related to substance use, as well as the support of the work of the Health Pastoral.
«There is no health without mental health, no person should be defined by a disease and asking for help can change a life,» he said.
SNS expands specialized care capacity
The Director of Mental Health of SNS, Dr. Marisol Taveras, stressed that the hospital capacity to care for patients with mental health problems increased from 137 beds in 2020 to 450 beds in the period 2026.
Taveras explained that there are currently five Crisis Intervention Units (IUPs) for the infanto-youth population and that work is being done to expand the unit of the José Manuel Jiménez Hospital, with ten additional beds.
He also indicated that six beds are planned for the Children's Mother Hospital in the Health City and four more in the Hugo Mendoza Paediatric Hospital, with the aim of strengthening the care of children and adolescents.
The specialist also highlighted the opening of crisis intervention units in two maternity units to strengthen services for pregnant women who require mental health care.
In the area of prison, he mentioned the establishment of a crisis intervention unit in Najayo Mujeres and the establishment of a mental health committee in prison together with the General Directorate of Prison and Correctional Services, headed by Roberto Santana.
Rehabilitation and prevention projects
Among the initiatives being developed, Taveras cited the removal of the PCP Padre Billini and the construction and empowerment of two psychosocial centres in Mao and Higüey. These projects are complemented by the services of the RESIDE programme, which are aimed at psychosocial care and rehabilitation.
The Director also reported that SNS works with the Ministry of Education (MINERD) to strengthen school mental health and to promote the timely prevention and detection of student care needs.
It also noted that efforts are being made to incorporate the units for the drug supply programme, with the aim of facilitating access to psychodrugs for patients receiving psychiatric consultations and contributing to the continuity of their treatment.
