Filenews 5 December 2022
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Monday by the Ministry of Health with nine Municipalities of free Cyprus, for the implementation of the Preventive Mental Health Nursing Program "EXEXIS", with the ultimate goal of preventing harmful behaviours, promoting and ensuring mental health in the Community.
Specifically, the Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Health and the Municipalities of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Strovolos, Lakatamia, Paralimni, Ypsonas and Geroskipou.
It is noted that the "EXCELIXIS" Program of Preventive Mental Health Nursing supports and participates in preventive actions in the community, such as for vulnerable groups of young people, planned actions in camps, summer schools, and crowded by youth sites, with the aim of preventing harmful behaviours.
Officers of the Ministry of Health are housed in the Town Halls and in collaboration with municipal officials they implement experiential workshops, prevention actions and enlightenment campaigns, with the aim of promoting Public Mental Health.
According to the competent Ministry, these interventions are aimed at the general population.
In his address, at the signing ceremony of the memorandum of cooperation, the Minister of Health, Michalis Hatzipantelas, said that this memorandum "paves the way for structured and long-term cooperation between the two parties, within the framework of the responsibilities of each participant, in the implementation of practices and initiatives, with the aim of strengthening mental resilience".
As he added, "the strategic partnership of public health and Local Government falls under the broader policy of optimal governance, for the strengthening of the Community", adding that his Ministry expects that more such memoranda will soon be signed with other Municipalities and Communities.
He expressed his satisfaction, saying that the signing of this memorandum is a practical expression of the interest of local authorities in safeguarding and promoting Public Health.
"In the framework of the Memorandum, it is expected, among other things, the co-organization of joint scientific and educational events and awareness-raising activities on challenges that currently threaten mental health in the Community, through the substantial support to human resources by the Ministry of Health and the provision of logistical infrastructure by the Municipalities," he said.
Referring to Preventive Mental Health Nursing, he said that it is supported by registered Mental Health Nurses, with a license to practice in force, training and experience in the field of counselling, of the Directorate of Nursing Services of the Ministry of Health.
He also noted that the provision of Preventive Mental Health Nursing is also provided to the school system, addressed to both Public and Private Schools of Secondary and Secondary Technical Education, to add that the Preventive Program in the school system received approval and licensing for its implementation by the Cyprus Addictions Authority.
Finally, he expressed his confidence that this MoU will seal and further improve the cooperation established between the Ministry of Health and the Municipalities and Communities for the promotion of Mental Health in the Community, while he assured that his Ministry will make every effort to support their cooperation in practice.
CNA
