The reform of the mental health system is to be implemented by 2030, EUR 42 million has been allocated for this purpose.
“The national program for improving competences in the field of mental health and first emotional support, consisting of various modules for various social groups (including young people), will be launched in the second half of 2023. Currently, a description of the conditions for financing the projects is being prepared” – it was written in the sent in a message to “Kurier Wileński” from the Ministry of Health.
As Ignas Rubikas, the representative of the Department of Mental Health, said during the press conference, the main goals of the reform are to reduce the number of inpatient psychiatry beds by 30 percent by 2030, while developing the availability of outpatient services.
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Reducing the number of readmissions
As Rubikas pointed out, it is also important to reduce the number of rehospitalizations from 33 percent to 33 percent. up to 22 percent and reducing the number of suicides by 40% over seven years. per 100 thousand people.
According to Rubikas, the goal of the reform is to strengthen patient orientation, deliver services based on human rights principles, and reduce regional and other disparities.
Increased awareness
This program will aim to increase public awareness of mental health by providing knowledge on how to look after mental health, what are the early signs of mental health disorders, how to help yourself and others, what professional help is and where to find reliable information on mental health.
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Reading Development Program
In October last year, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania announced that in order to improve the mental health of young people, a reading development program will be launched this year. A Mental Health Ambassadors program will also be launched to reduce stigma related to mental health.
Ambassadors Program
“The Mental Health Ambassadors Initiative is an action to promote awareness about mental health through mental health ambassadors – people who have experienced and/or come into contact with mental health problems or mental health and behavioral disorders in their community and want to share share your experiences with others. This will help change the rather negative attitude people have about mental health that is prevalent in society; show that everyone can have mental health problems, but also everyone can receive professional help.
According to the minister, there is an acceptance of changes in mental health in Lithuania. He also noted that the restructuring of the system is based on good practices.
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