Municipalities Launch New Mental‑Health Services in Mexico and Argentina
The municipal government of Chihuahua, Mexico, through the Instituto Municipal de Prevención y Atención a la Salud (IMPAS), is expanding free psychological care. Services include weekday individual consultations, afternoon therapeutic groups, and outreach at ten community centres. The program also promotes the 24‑hour crisis line “Hablar Salva Vidas” (800).
In the Mexican state of Michoacán, members of the State Public Security Police completed a First‑Aid Psychological course run by the Secretariat of Health, equipping about 35 officers with skills to provide immediate emotional support during crises.
Meanwhile, the city of Chajarí in Argentina inaugurated the “Primera Escucha” primary‑care mental‑health program on 7 July. Housed in the Casa de la Historia, the interdisciplinary team—psychologists, social workers and a lawyer—offers spontaneous consultations, group workshops and referrals, aiming to prevent psychosocial vulnerability and complement the provincial health system.