EPA participates in the 4th Headway Forum at the European Parliament
EPA President Elect, Prof. Andrea Fiorillo spoke at the 4th Headway Forum at the European Parliament on 25 September 2024. The event was hosted by MEP Ruggero Razza and organised by Ambrosetti House.
The event featured the release of the fourth edition of the “Headway – Mental Health Index” report, which analyses the state of mental health care practice, challenges, and solutions across the EU 27 states + UK. This year’s report focuses on the economics of mental health and wellbeing. It considers the economic burden of mental illness and the potential cost benefits of investing in mental health prevention and promotion across all areas, including in healthcare institutions, schools, workplaces, and beyond. The report demonstrates that every €1 invested in mental health returns € 4.5 with a substantial economic return and benefits across healthcare systems and the wider society. Prof. Fiorillo and Prof. Arango contributed to this initiative has received contributions from.
“We need new answers to an evolving world. Mental disorders are changing, and good mental health is now considered an essential component of everyone’s well-being. Today we are facing a new pandemic of different mental disorders, particularly among young and elderly people. Research and implementation of public mental health should be promoted at all levels.” – Andrea Fiorillo
The event also featured Helen Bennett, Vice President of GAMIAN-Europe and John Saunders, Executive Director of EUFAMI. They shared perspectives from their communities of mental health patients and families, where the life-giving and life-preserving potential for greater investment in health and social care is felt the most.
“There is an urgent need to fight stigma and discrimination against people with mental disorders. We need to speak loudly and all together to improve the image of mental health and of mental disorders at a global level.” – Andrea Fiorillo
Prof. Fiorillo also discussed the EPA’s continuing engagement with European stakeholders and policy communities working on mental health and healthcare. This includes the EPA Manifesto, which was presented at the European Parliament thanks to MEP Alex Agius Saliba on the occasion of EPA 40th Anniversary, on 6 December 2023. The event also featured the announcement of the Trialogue of Mental Health, a collaboration with EUFAMI and GAMIAN-Europe representing the voices of clinicians, patients, and families, which seeks to promote the three organisation’s manifestos to the tenth European Parliament. The EPA manifesto has already been endorsed by several national associations and governments. The EPA is committed to furthering a shared understanding of the importance of investing in mental health care, together with its partners and its community of psychiatrists across Europe.
