Jinju City Pioneers Integrated Mobile Healthcare & Suicide Prevention Initiatives
A comprehensive approach to citizen wellbeing is underway in Jinju City, South Korea, as officials expand programs leveraging mobile technology for both physical and mental health support. The initiatives, announced on January 20th, aim to establish Jinju as a leading “healthy city” by 2026.
Expanding Access to Personalized Health Management
Jinju City is bolstering its “Mobile Healthcare” project, a personalized service designed to comprehensively manage the health of its residents. This non-face-to-face program utilizes mobile apps and activity trackers, with support from nurses, nutritionists, and exercise specialists. Participants can systematically monitor key health indicators including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, physical activity, and dietary habits.
The city health center is currently recruiting 200 individuals for the program, targeting adults aged 19 and older who are Jinju residents or employees and possess at least one identified health risk factor – such as elevated blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, waist circumference, neutral fat, or low HDL cholesterol – or a need to improve lifestyle habits. However, individuals diagnosed with chronic diseases, those currently taking medication for chronic conditions, and participants in the 2025 Mobile Healthcare project are ineligible. Applications will be accepted online via the Jinju City Public Health Center website beginning February 2nd, with individual guidance provided to confirm eligibility and conduct initial assessments.
Building a Community-Based Suicide Prevention Network
Alongside the physical health initiatives, Jinju City is significantly expanding its “Life-Respecting Safe Village” project. This community-centered program aims to create a robust suicide prevention safety net by fostering collaboration between residents, local organizations, and city administration at the town, township, and dong levels. The core principle is early identification of at-risk individuals and connecting them with appropriate support.
“We plan to build a tight suicide prevention safety net that residents can feel through the life-respecting safe village project,” a senior official stated. “And to organically link citizens’ physical health management and mental health protection to continuously promote health policies that can be felt in daily life.”
The project, initially launched in 2024, currently operates in 15 towns, villages, and dongs. By 2026, the city plans to extend the program to a total of 20 areas, including the addition of Jungang, Sangdae, Sangpyeong, Chojang, and Panmun-dong. This expansion is informed by an analysis of recent suicide statistics within the region.
Participating institutions and organizations will focus on identifying and supporting high-risk groups, conducting suicide prevention awareness campaigns, providing “life guardian” education, implementing methods to reduce access to suicide means, and offering customized support services.
Jinju City’s integrated approach to health – encompassing both physical wellbeing and mental health support – represents a proactive step towards creating a healthier and more resilient community. The city’s commitment to leveraging technology and fostering community collaboration positions it as a potential model for other municipalities seeking to prioritize the holistic health of their citizens.
