Snapshot from a mental empowerment program at the Alzheimer’s Society Day Center in Ilioupoli. [alzheimerathens.gr]
The Health Ministry plans to create 40 new comprehensive mental health units for people with autism, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease under a €56 million program funded through ESPA 2021-2027.
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis signed the tender for the project, which is part of a broader strategy to expand free and equal access to mental health services nationwide. The units will provide expanded day center services, home care through mobile teams and community-based psychosocial support.
Twenty-one units will serve people with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, while 19 will focus on dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.
According to ministry officials, the new centers will differ from existing facilities by offering specialized primary care services and accommodating up to 20 patients in morning and afternoon shifts. Greece currently operates 27 Alzheimer’s day centers, 42 adult mental health centers and 32 youth mental health centers. The facilities will be built in cities from Xanthi to Rethymno and Corfu to Chios.