Committed to optimizing mental health services, with the aim of improving people’s quality of life, the Minister of Health, Victor Atallah, in coordination with the First Lady, Raquel Arbaje, announced the extension of the opening hours of the “Cuida tu Salud Mental” Contact Center.
As of September 1, the opening hours will be extended from 8 a.m. to 12 midnight, including weekends, to provide greater support to those who need it.
To support these extended hours, health care staff will be increased to ensure that more professionals are available to provide counseling and psychological support.
The extension of the hours of the “Cuida tu Salud Mental” Contact Center is an initiative to improve access to mental health services in the country.
The contact center has a single number, 809-200-1400, through which people can access consultations with trained behavioral health specialists.
This service is designed to offer professional support and guidance to all individuals who require it.
Minister Atallah reaffirmed his commitment to the transformation of mental health services during a visit to the Padre Billini Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center. He also held meetings with the Society of Psychiatry and the Dominican College of Psychologists.
Actions to improve mental health services
The Ministry of Health is implementing actions to improve mental health services in the country. These include the updating and development of specific protocols for the management of depressive disorders in adults, the use of psychoactive substances in children and adolescents, and the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in minors.
These protocols are being reviewed by technical committees made up of various institutions and specialists.
In addition, work is being done to update the National Mental Health Plan and the Mental Health Law 12-06, with the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and other institutions, to ensure that mental health policies and regulations are aligned with international best practices and the specific needs of Dominicans.
To address suicide, strategic guidelines for its prevention are being developed by the deconcentrated units of the rectory, including provincial, municipal and health area directorates. These guidelines are being reviewed by technical roundtables and specialized consultancies, with the aim of implementing effective actions in this regard.
The Ministry of Health is in the process of preparing a mental health bulletin and a study on the characterization of homeless people, in order to provide updated and relevant information for decision-making and the implementation of appropriate intervention strategies.
Source:presidencia.gob.do
