Chihuahua launches mental health and suicide prevention initiatives

In Chihuahua, various initiatives are addressing mental health and suicide prevention. The Municipal Government, through the Municipal Institute for Health Care and Prevention (IMPAS), organized the ‘Luces por la Vida’ walk. Participants marched from Lerdo Park to the Municipal Presidency to raise awareness and promote the ‘Hablar Salva Vidas’ crisis hotline.

Simultaneously, the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua (UACH) inaugurated its 1st International Mental Health Congress, focused on suicide prevention and emotional balance. The event featured academic contributions from international experts and local authorities. This follows reports from UACH Rector Luis Rivera Campos regarding a decline in student enrollment, which he attributed to a decrease in the school-age population and the rise of virtual education. The university is also navigating labor discussions with its union regarding benefits and staffing.

Local health advocates noted that suicide rates in Chihuahua are significantly higher than the national average, emphasizing the need for social and clinical intervention.