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Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Regional Government steps up efforts to promote prevention and healthy lifestyles among young people
Regional Government steps up efforts to promote prevention and healthy lifestyles among young people
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Press release
Press release
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Number of RSI beneficiaries falls again in the Azores
Number of RSI beneficiaries falls again in the Azores
March 27, 2026
Regional Government steps up efforts to promote prevention and healthy lifestyles among young people
March 26, 2026
Press release
March 26, 2026
Number of RSI beneficiaries falls again in the Azores
News
Azores Oncology Centre
Regional Directorate for Health
Regional Directorate for Social Solidarity
Regional Directorate for Prevention and Control of Dependencies
Regional Health Inspectorate
Institute for Social Security of the Azores
Regional Directorate for the Promotion of Equality and Social Inclusion
Nota de Imprensa
March 27, 2026
Regional Government steps up efforts to promote prevention and healthy lifestyles among young people
The Regional Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security and the Regional Secretariat for Education, Culture and Sport, is stepping up its commitment to an integrated approach to the prevention of ill health and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people, highlighting the growing role of digital behaviours in health and well-being. In this regard, the initiative held today in Ponta Delgada marked the inclusion of Sport in the Regional Calendar for the Prevention and Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles, a key difference from previous editions. “Promoting healthy lifestyles also involves promoting balanced digital behaviours, hence the importance of initiatives on the ground such as this one,” Mónica Seidi stated, calling for greater emphasis on digital literacy, online wellbeing and family involvement. In turn, the Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, highlighted the importance of integrating sport and education into this strategy: “Sport and physical activity are areas of excellence in promoting healthy lifestyles,” she said. According to the Secretary for Education and Sport, the Government has been “increasing investment and programmes in these areas, with a view to reaching a wider population across all age groups, prioritising the youngest age groups." The government officials highlighted the work that has been carried out in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, in collaboration with schools, health services, law enforcement agencies and prevention teams, with a view to empowering young people to make more informed and responsible choices. The activities held throughout the day included a cycling circuit, a Zumba class, a road safety awareness session and the creation of a mural featuring messages about healthy lifestyles. The Government of the Azores emphasises that preventing illness and promoting the well-being of the Azorean population are a collective commitment that requires the active involvement of public entities, families and society as a whole.
March 27, 2026
Regional Government steps up efforts to promote prevention and healthy lifestyles among young people
The Regional Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security and the Regional Secretariat for Education, Culture and Sport, is stepping up its commitment to an integrated approach to the prevention of ill health and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people, highlighting the growing role of digital behaviours in health and well-being. In this regard, the initiative held today in Ponta Delgada marked the inclusion of Sport in the Regional Calendar for the Prevention and Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles, a key difference from previous editions. “Promoting healthy lifestyles also involves promoting balanced digital behaviours, hence the importance of initiatives on the ground such as this one,” Mónica Seidi stated, calling for greater emphasis on digital literacy, online wellbeing and family involvement. In turn, the Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, highlighted the importance of integrating sport and education into this strategy: “Sport and physical activity are areas of excellence in promoting healthy lifestyles,” she said. According to the Secretary for Education and Sport, the Government has been “increasing investment and programmes in these areas, with a view to reaching a wider population across all age groups, prioritising the youngest age groups." The government officials highlighted the work that has been carried out in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, in collaboration with schools, health services, law enforcement agencies and prevention teams, with a view to empowering young people to make more informed and responsible choices. The activities held throughout the day included a cycling circuit, a Zumba class, a road safety awareness session and the creation of a mural featuring messages about healthy lifestyles. The Government of the Azores emphasises that preventing illness and promoting the well-being of the Azorean population are a collective commitment that requires the active involvement of public entities, families and society as a whole.
Nota de Imprensa
March 26, 2026
Press release
Following the statement released today by ARRISCA (Regional Association for Rehabilitation and Sociocultural Integration of the Azores), the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security would like to clarify that the Government of the Azores remains firmly, responsibly and transparently committed to organisations involved in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, as well as to the quality of the services provided to the community. It is important, first and foremost, to set the record straight regarding the funding allocated to ARRISCA. Between 2021 and 2025, ARRISCA received support totalling approximately €2.807 million, having spent €2.636 million, i.e., an amount below the allocated funding. In 2025, ARRISCA received financial support amounting to €570,000, having spent approximately €533,000. For 2026, following a process of dialogue and consultation with the institution, it was agreed to increase funding to €590,000, a figure higher than the previous year. This agreement was formally agreed to and signed by both parties. In this context, the allegation of insufficient funding is untrue, particularly given the increase in allocated support compared to the previous year and the recent history of financial performance below the amounts granted. As for the changes announced by ARRISCA concerning the administration of 1% methadone hydrochloride therapy on weekends and public holidays, it is important to clarify that the model now mentioned by the institution is not an exception within the national context. In the Integrated Response Centres (CRI), where opioid addiction treatment programmes are implemented, it is standard practice not to open on weekends, with medication being provided to users in advance for administration at home during these periods. The administration of medication in correctional facilities is carried out by in-house nursing staff, whilst the preparation of the medication is handled by ARRISCA, in accordance with standard procedures. The Government of the Azores recognises the growing challenges posed by substance abuse, which have required a stronger and more strategic response from the Region. However, such a response demands rigour, responsible management of public resources, and the full and efficient use of allocated funding. The decision announced by ARRISCA to restrict services stems from an internal management decision by the institution, which cannot be attributable to the actions of the Regional Government; on the contrary, it has increased financial support and maintained a stance of institutional cooperation. The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security reiterates the Regional Government’s full commitment to continuing to work together with all entities in the sector to ensure adequate, sustainable and effective responses to the needs of the Azorean population.
March 26, 2026
Press release
Following the statement released today by ARRISCA (Regional Association for Rehabilitation and Sociocultural Integration of the Azores), the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security would like to clarify that the Government of the Azores remains firmly, responsibly and transparently committed to organisations involved in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, as well as to the quality of the services provided to the community. It is important, first and foremost, to set the record straight regarding the funding allocated to ARRISCA. Between 2021 and 2025, ARRISCA received support totalling approximately €2.807 million, having spent €2.636 million, i.e., an amount below the allocated funding. In 2025, ARRISCA received financial support amounting to €570,000, having spent approximately €533,000. For 2026, following a process of dialogue and consultation with the institution, it was agreed to increase funding to €590,000, a figure higher than the previous year. This agreement was formally agreed to and signed by both parties. In this context, the allegation of insufficient funding is untrue, particularly given the increase in allocated support compared to the previous year and the recent history of financial performance below the amounts granted. As for the changes announced by ARRISCA concerning the administration of 1% methadone hydrochloride therapy on weekends and public holidays, it is important to clarify that the model now mentioned by the institution is not an exception within the national context. In the Integrated Response Centres (CRI), where opioid addiction treatment programmes are implemented, it is standard practice not to open on weekends, with medication being provided to users in advance for administration at home during these periods. The administration of medication in correctional facilities is carried out by in-house nursing staff, whilst the preparation of the medication is handled by ARRISCA, in accordance with standard procedures. The Government of the Azores recognises the growing challenges posed by substance abuse, which have required a stronger and more strategic response from the Region. However, such a response demands rigour, responsible management of public resources, and the full and efficient use of allocated funding. The decision announced by ARRISCA to restrict services stems from an internal management decision by the institution, which cannot be attributable to the actions of the Regional Government; on the contrary, it has increased financial support and maintained a stance of institutional cooperation. The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security reiterates the Regional Government’s full commitment to continuing to work together with all entities in the sector to ensure adequate, sustainable and effective responses to the needs of the Azorean population.