In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, there are currently 36 individuals living on the streets who suffer from mental health issues, with 13 of those cases being particularly severe, as reported by the City Council on Wednesday.
The local authority has indicated in a statement that it is preparing to convene another meeting with the General Directorate of Public Health and Addictions to make progress towards identifying solutions for homeless individuals with mental health conditions.
The primary aim is to evaluate potential solutions for these individuals, the Council has disclosed, noting that discussions have already taken place with the Prosecutor’s Office to seek assistance, even when these individuals may refuse to accept help.
Furthermore, the City Council has called upon both the Cabildo and the Department of Social Welfare of the Government of the Canary Islands to participate in forthcoming meetings, emphasising that “this is an issue that goes beyond municipal concerns.”
The Council suggests implementing a form of triage in the emergency room to evaluate the most critical cases and to provide targeted and urgent treatment.
This would involve “distinguishing between the most severe mental health disorders, those that create challenges for social interaction and even endanger the individuals themselves, and addressing some individuals in a specific manner while assisting others differently based on their urgent needs, thereby aiming for more favourable outcomes.”, ensuring they do not remain without care while awaiting more thorough treatment.
According to the City Council, having medical support reports “would prove to be incredibly beneficial” as well.
