The association brought forward this year’s commemoration of World Mental Health Day, officially held on October 10, because it coincides with the Fiestas del Pilar celebrations. Held under the slogan “Make a Match with Your Mental Health,” the event was attended by the president of the Aragon Parliament, María Navarro, the vice president of the regional government, Alejandro Nolasco, and representatives of Asapme Aragón.
ASAPME WARNS OF A “SHARP RISE” IN MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
Before the event began, Asapme Aragón manager Ana López warned that society is witnessing an increase in mental illnesses that is “not gradual,” but rather sharp. In response, she stressed the need to strengthen cooperation between the Government of Aragon, municipalities, businesses and social organizations to “form a common front” and improve the population’s mental health.
López highlighted the situation of young people in particular, as one of the age groups most affected by this increase. The manager stressed the particular vulnerability of younger people during their development and called for new tools to address issues such as cyberbullying, violence against minors and a lack of understanding of differences in educational settings.
Also before the ceremony began, Aragon’s vice president, Alejandro Nolasco, emphasized the importance of strengthening mental health care. Nolasco recalled the opening of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day Hospital at Miguel Servet and said the regional government would continue supporting associations such as Asapme. He also cited a FAD Juventud report which, he said, reflects the impact of mental health problems among young people.
FUNDACIÓN IBERCAJA, NATIONAL POLICE AND MAS PREVENCIÓN RECEIVE AWARDS
Asapme Aragón’s annual awards are scheduled to be presented during the event. This year’s awards go to Fundación Ibercaja, the Zaragoza Judicial Police Brigade of the National Police and Mas Prevención for their work promoting and protecting mental health.
Asapme Aragón has conceived the event not only as a space for recognition, but also for advocacy. Ana López stressed that the aim is to thank the institutions, businesses and individuals who contribute to the population’s well-being, while calling for a joint response to the rise in mental health problems, especially among children, adolescents and young people.
