Santiago de Cuba Reports on 2021 Mental Health Program

Santiago de Cuba, Feb 7 (ACN) The Mental Health Program in eastern Santiago de Cuba province reported advancement in 2021 in terms of the psychological assistance and care of the local population, said program coordinator Yamilka Rodriguez.

The expert told ACN about a decrease in the suicide rate for the adult and juvenile population with respect to the national average rate, while they expect to lower this indicator in 2022 in the 60-year population.

Rodriguez also stressed the low in the number of youth and adolescent cases of intoxication with alcohol and other drugs, thanks to the educative work at local communities addressing the problem. She noted that the program has been implemented despite the complex sanitary and economic scenario imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The expert stressed the integral assistance provided to those who have recovered from the disease, which is a priority task to achieve those persons’ social reintegration.

Challenges ahead include the treatment of technological addiction, prevention of wandering inclinations in persons and the increase of quality assistance for citizens in psychiatric hospitals and social institutions.