VII International Workshop on Mental Health and Community Psychiatry Santiago de Chile, October 2009

With the participation of 120 professionals from diverse regions throughout Chile, this VII International Workshop was organized by the School of Public Health and MEDICHI (Health Digital Learning Network), an academic initiative that represents a strong alliance between the University and the Ministry of Health, along with the sponsorship of PAHO, and with the goal of directly influencing services. 

PAHO/WHO´s Mental Health Subregional Advisors for Central America and South America, Victor Aparicio and Hugo Cohen, respectively, added to the distinguished group of national teachers with active participation in the mental health and psychiatric services in Chile. The topics discussed during the Workshop focused on community-based mental health, such as: principles of community mental health; networks; community mental health in disaster situations; stigma and its impact on mental health; service quality improvement; mental health and interculturality and the PAHO/WHO Mental Health Strategy.

There was a panel to discuss best practices during which the experiences of various communities were shared. The panel focused on the role of professionals and mental health workers in the process of consolidation of the mental healthcare community model in Chile.