With the approval of an opinion authorizing the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Act, Hidalgo will soon have its first-ever legislation in this area, guaranteeing access to mental health services with a focus on human rights and a gender perspective.
This new law, presented in September 2023 by the then local deputy, Vanesa Escalante Arroyo, now state Secretary of Health, establishes comprehensive mental health care mechanisms in both public and private institutions.
The law will make various prevention and treatment services accessible to the population, primarily those related to chronic diseases.
Regarding suicide prevention, the law emphasizes the treatment of this disorder as a priority in mental health institutions. This includes comprehensive medical care through psychiatric and psychological assessments, as well as follow-up care for those who attempt suicide.
Hidalgo currently has 484 health centers, 87 basic centers, 1 mental health module, 6 UNEMES-CAPA centers, and 10 mental health brigades. There are also 2 residential addiction care units and 8 hospitals with psychological services for the population without social security.
The Pachuca General Hospital has a psychiatric service, in addition to the Villa Ocaranza Hospital. Based on reports, over 8,000 patients in Hidalgo are registered as suffering from some type of mental illness.
The new law, which will enter into effect once published in the Official Gazette of the State of Hidalgo, will ensure that mental health services are provided under conditions of equality with general health services. The Hidalgo Health Secretariat (SSH) will be responsible for monitoring and regulating all care centers and confinement spaces.
Hidalgo joins Coahuila and Sonora as the third state in Mexico to enact such a law to prevent suicide.