Publications

The data in this report show that there has been a gradual development of mental health policies, laws, programs, and services in the Region of the Americas. However, major efforts, commitments, and resources are still needed to meet the regional objectives. The findings set forth in the 2017 Atlas confirm a trend reflected in previous editions: resources are still insufficient to meet the growing burden of mental illness, and are unevenly distributed. Furthermore, the existing services need to be transformed in order to increase coverage and improve access to mental health care, and to ensure that mental health is an integral part of national policies for universal health coverage. At the same time, a potentially positive finding in the Region is that resources and services are gradually being shifted from psychiatric hospitals to community services. This indicates that the countries are moving towards developing community-based mental health programs, a key recommendation of the Pan American Health Organization... The Atlas of Mental Health of the Americas 2017 should help the countries’ health planners and policy makers to identify areas that require urgent attention. In addition, researchers will find the data in the 2017 Atlas useful for research on health services. The Atlas will continue to be of use to health professionals and nongovernmental organizations in their efforts to advocate for more and better mental health resources.