Regional Government reinforces prevention of addictive behaviour with "More Health" project - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, and the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, presided over the signing of a Technical-Financial Cooperation Agreement with the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Regional Directorate for Control and Control of Dependencies. It will ensure the continuity of the "Plus Health" project.

The project includes a traineeship at the Desliga Association in São Miguel focused on non-substance addiction with the aim of training the senior technicians involved. This initiative reinforces the commitment to health promotion and the prevention of addictive behaviour on the islands of Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo, helping to improve the quality of life in the Region.

"We intend to promote good practices, encouraging well-being and a healthier lifestyle through a preventative and educational approach," José Manuel Bolieiro stated, emphasising the importance of motivating the population to adopt healthy habits.

The agreement includes overall funding of €57,601.11 for 2025, with the Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Madalena expecting to invest €13,929.98 to increase the Temporary Shelter Centre capacity, in addition to reviewing the centre's annual funding, rising to €167,497.92 in 2025.

José Manuel Bolieiro also stressed the importance of collaboration between institutions to tackle addictive behaviour.

"This understanding between institutions is the result of joint reflection, seeking to do more with less using synergies," he said.

The ceremony was also attended by the Mayor of São Roque do Pico, Luís Filipe Silva, the Chair of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de São Roque do Pico, Maria Pereira, and members of the institution's governing bodies.