The "Democrats" Party Unveils National Mental Health Rehabilitation Plan
The "Democrats" party led by Yair Golan presented a national mental health rehabilitation plan, committing to establish a dedicated governmental headquarters with a 1.5 billion NIS budget.
The "Democrats" party, led by Maj. Gen. (res.) Yair Golan, presented a national mental health rehabilitation and recovery plan. The initiative includes a commitment to establish a comprehensive national mental health headquarters in the next government with cross-ministerial authority to lead a multi-year program.
A Nationwide Mental Health Crisis
Gil Shelly, father of Yoav who has been dealing with trauma since fighting terrorists on October 7 in kibbutz Be'eri, shared his testimony during the presentation. Other young citizens dealing with combat shock and post-trauma following the war also spoke at the event, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic reform and state backing.
"I'm tired of feeling abandoned and alone, I need the state and I need it now," said a 25-year-old reserve soldier and Tel Aviv University student.
Five Guiding Principles
The response to the national crisis will be based on five guiding principles led by the new national headquarters:
-
Proactive response: The state will take responsibility for its citizens by reaching out to at-risk populations and ensuring early detection.
-
Phased response: A continuous spectrum of diverse solutions ranging from community support to intensive rehabilitation.
-
Recovery-oriented approach: Shifting focus from determining disability percentages to actual rehabilitation and community reintegration.
-
Accessible and continuous care: Providing a clear institutional address with significantly reduced waiting times for recognition and treatment.
-
Professional response: Establishing binding standards and investing at least 1.5 billion NIS in the public mental health system.
Party leader Yair Golan emphasized that the trauma of October 7 and the subsequent years of war have created an unprecedented national mental health crisis, requiring immediate governmental action and structural overhaul.
