Mental Health Friendly Territories: Strategy for the implementation of the Mental Health Policy in Colombia

Abstract

Evidence-based practices in mental health have been proposed globally and have been adopted in Colombia. However, implementation problems often make it difficult for these initiatives to contribute to people's well-being. The objective of the present study is to describe a strategy for implementing the components of global mental health in two complex Colombian territories: Chocó and La Guajira. These components are a primary health-care approach, continuity of care, anti-stigma, mental health as a human right, mental health in all policies, and a community model of recovery. A monitoring system was created for the reporting of these components by each territory. An appropriation of all the components by the health systems of both territories was found, as mobilization of existing technical resources in the territories and the strengthening of capacities at the administrative, clinical, and community levels, in addition to the articulation of all the strategies proposed at the level global for recovery. Innovation processes built in a participatory manner with communities can favor the implementation of evidence-based practices and public policies in mental health in territories where social determinants make recovery a challenge.