The state health services (Okypy) on the occasion of Mental Health Awareness month on Thursday called on the public and institutions to prioritise mental wellbeing.

“People with mental disabilities have the right to health, work, education, housing and social participation, but stigma, discrimination and institutional culture continue to violate these rights in practice,” Okypy said in a statement.

Awareness on the matter could only make a difference if it led to actual changes that enhanced care and combatted discrimination, the state health services stressed.

Okypy pointed to the new Mental Health Centre in Athalassa as a project that significantly strengthened the infrastructure of mental health services.

The first phase of the centre was completed in December 2024, according to Okypy a second phase including new clinical and outpatient services is underway.