Mérida to implement electronic mental health screening for university students

The Mérida City Council, in collaboration with the Sofía Association and Centro Geo, is launching an electronic screening system to evaluate the mental health of university students. Announced by Mayor Cecilia Patrón Lavien, the initiative aims to identify behavioral risks and facilitate timely intervention.

The tool utilizes health-authority-approved tests that provide results in approximately 10 minutes. The assessments cover various factors, including stress, anxiety, substance use, suicidal ideation, sleep and eating habits, and family relationships.

Students can access the platform via QR codes. The system allows specialists to monitor results in real time, enabling immediate action if suicidal risks are detected. The program, managed by the City's Welfare Directorate, will initially focus on university-aged adolescents. In cases requiring further support, the city will coordinate with the Yucatán Health Secretariat to activate necessary protocols.