Emilia-Romagna invests 1.3 million for health promotion and addiction prevention

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Emilia-Romagna is investing in promoting the health of its citizens and, in particular, its youngest citizens, with projects worth 1.35 million euro. In recent years, the regional health service has recorded a consistent increase in the number of girls and boys with psychopathological disorders and substance use disorders, as well as behavioural addictions resulting from the misuse of new technologies (especially among children and adolescents) or linked to gambling. Of greatest concern is the group between the ages of 14 and 25, with the gradual lowering of the age of onset determining the need for educational interventions involving the family, school and local authorities. In line with the objectives of the 2021-2025 Regional Prevention Plan, the Emilia-Romagna Regional Council therefore aims to implement initiatives to listen to young people in difficulty, but also to train operators in the prevention of addiction and in supporting the autonomy and wellbeing of those most at risk.

Our 'investment is divided into three main lines of action,' explains the councillor for Health Policies, Massimo Fabi, 'the implementation of the Health Budget for adults up to 64 years of age with addiction problems, the realisation of transversal projects for the integrated care of young people with psychopathological disorders and other forms of distress between the ages of 14 and 24, and the implementation of further actions to combat addictions in the 15-34 age bracket. With this measure,' continues the councillor, 'we confirm our commitment to a public health service that is close to people, especially the youngest and most fragile. We must intercept the emerging needs related to mental health and addictions at an early stage,' he concludes. 'Investing in an integrated prevention system means building healthier and more inclusive communities.

A significant part of the funding, amounting to 500,000 euro, will be allocated to interventions implemented with the Health Budget methodology. This is a tool for constructing personalised therapeutic and rehabilitation projects, centred on the needs of the individual. In fact, it integrates health, social, and individual resources to support people's autonomy, prevent hospitalisation, and promote social, housing, educational, and work inclusion paths. A further EUR 500,000 will go to the transversal Youths 14/25 initiative to strengthen activities aimed at adolescents and young adults. The aim is to identify joint protocols and programmes to promote psychological wellbeing, reduce risk behaviour, and encourage the active participation of young people in prevention and health promotion programmes.

A further allocation of EUR 300,000 is earmarked for the Defined Addictions Plan, with a focus on the population aged between 15 and 34. The funds will be used to strengthen actions to prevent and combat drug use and behavioural addictions, tackling complex phenomena such as alcohol and drug abuse, gambling and the problematic use of digital technologies.

The Emilia-Romagna Region has also allocated 50 thousand euro (25 thousand euro each) to two experimental projects. The first is called 'Youngle' and is entrusted to the Piacenza Local Health Authority, which will develop an online listening and support service dedicated to young people. Its aim is to intercept situations of distress at an early stage and offer a safe digital space for discussion and orientation. Tools such as social networks and digital platforms, under the watchful eye of specialised professionals, can in fact help to facilitate young people's psychophysical well-being. The second, on the other hand, is run by the Modena Local Health Authority for the implementation of a specific training programme for operators on addiction prevention, aimed at strengthening professional skills in the various territorial and health contexts.