Julio Landrón highlights advances in mental health during the launch of the penitentiary committee

Santo Domingo.- The director of the National Health Service (SNS), Julio César Landrón, highlighted the progress made by the Government in terms of mental health during the swearing-in ceremony of the Dominican Committee for Penitentiary Mental Health, an initiative that seeks to strengthen psychological and psychiatric care within the Dominican penitentiary system.

Landrón stated that mental health has become a priority for the current government administration and assured that the actions promoted by President Luis Abinader and the Office of the First Lady have allowed for the significant expansion of specialized services in the country.

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“It is truly the president and the Government that has cared the most about mental health, together with the Office of the First Lady,” the official expressed when assessing the importance of the creation of the new committee, which will have among its objectives to improve the care of people deprived of liberty and prison staff.

During his speech, the director of the SNS highlighted the construction of new psychosocial centers in Higüey and Moca, as well as the recovery and expansion works of the specialized center located in Pedro Brand, where new care areas, spaces for family members, and outpatient services adjusted to international standards will be incorporated.

Likewise, he announced the upcoming opening of a comprehensive child mental health center at the facilities of the former Santo Socorro Hospital, intended for the care of children with mental disorders, neurological conditions, motor deficits, and autism spectrum disorders.

The official also highlighted the strengthening of the crisis care network, indicating that in recent months more than 100 additional beds have been enabled for patients with mental health emergencies, in addition to the hiring of psychologists and psychiatrists and the expansion of training positions in psychiatry.

“We already have more than 100 additional beds in crisis care units, psychologist and psychiatrist designations,” he specified.

When referring to the reality of mental health in the country, Landrón maintained that it is an issue that impacts the entire society and requires a comprehensive response from the State.

“In every family, in every home, not only Dominican but in the world, there is someone who needs help for depression, alcoholism, substance use, and more,” he stated.

The Penitentiary Mental Health Committee will promote prevention, care, and rehabilitation actions in penitentiary centers, with an emphasis on the mental health of those deprived of liberty and the personnel in charge of their custody and accompaniment.