Renew Europe demands concrete EU-action to address Europe's mental health crisis
Author: Linda Aziz-Rohlje
Date:
The Covid-19 pandemic, with subsequent lockdowns and restrictions in access to non – Covid related healthcare has put a devastating strain on many people’s mental health. While recognising that addressing mental health issues is mainly a national competence, Renew Europe has today launched a position paper outlining a number of proposals for change and calling for action in the form of a common European strategic approach. Such an integrated approach across sectors and Member States, via a “Mental Health in all policies approach” (MHiAP) would help the shift to a model based on prevention, rather than costly treatment services. As Mental Health Week 2021 gets underway, we reiterate that universal, non-discriminatory and equitable access to mental health services must become a priority for every citizen in all member states.
María Soraya Rodriguez Ramos, Member of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, who drafted the position paper on behalf of Renew Europe, says:
“Despite the huge impact on people’s lives and well-being, mental health disorders remain one of the most neglected areas of public health and a relatively low priority across the EU.
In order to ensure the full prosperity of our citizens, it is imperative that Europe puts mental health at the core of its political priorities, using all tools at our disposal to present a European Mental Health Strategy, improving the resilience, coordination and resources of our mental health systems all levels. The time where we failed to fully address mental health must now be over."
Find attached the Renew Europe policy paper 'Towards a comprehensive european mental health strategy'.
For more information, please contact
Linda Aziz-Rohlje
Mob : +32 486 94 76 82