More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health impact has been overwhelming, with consequences felt across society. To highlight the relevance and complexity of addressing this challenge, and generally the importance attached to mental health, the European Commission is holding an online high-level event on 10 May, entitled “Mental health and the pandemic: living, caring, acting!”. The event will be an opportunity to bring together speakers from different policy and practice areas, as well as to hear from those most affected, including young people, those with pre-existing mental health problems and their carers, and to share examples and promising practices with a view to ensuring that health systems are well equipped, now and in the future and to map the way forward. Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides said: “Mental health is a lifetime commitment for me. As we make strides to contain COVID-19 and build a strong European Heath Union, it is paramount that we take stock of the mental health consequences of the pandemic, that we jointly reflect on what we know and to explore what we need to understand and do better. It’s abundantly clear that mental health matters, now more than ever, and we stand side-by-side with EU countries, healthcare professionals and all those affected to take action to address one of today’s most pressing challenges and to give voice to those most affected by this unprecedented health crisis.” The Commission supports national health priorities that protect mental health, prevent mental illness and improve access to treatment. The event takes place during the European Mental Health Awareness Week and will be livestreamed. More details, including the agenda and registration links, are available here.
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tel.: +32 229 83978)
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