Mental health and addiction prevention initiatives launched in Costa Rica and Mexico

In Costa Rica, a new extension project aims to strengthen mental health prevention and care, starting with students at the Universidad Nacional (UNA) in Heredia. Following an emergency declaration by the university due to rising cases of anxiety, depression, and emotional crises, Deputy Víctor Hidalgo Solís is promoting a collaborative effort between public institutions and educational centers. The initiative seeks to move beyond reactive measures by providing tools to recognize early warning signs and aims to eventually expand to a national scale.

In Mexico, religious and business leaders in Yucatán have proposed the creation of ‘listening centers’ within companies to prevent addictions and promote social peace. During a meeting between bishops and members of the Unión Social de Empresarios Mexicanos (USEM), the Archdiocese of Yucatán presented a five-point action plan. This includes the establishment of a Vocational Youth Center focused on preventing addiction and suicide among adolescents through recreational activities and community strengthening.