Aruba’s government is evaluating a more integrated care model for people living on the street who face both addiction and complex mental-health conditions.
Current services leave a gap
Health and Social Affairs Minister Mervin Wyatt-Ras told DIARIO that Centro Colorado, operated by Stichting Hunto, has room for more clients but lacks enough staff to expand. He said Hunto relies largely on volunteers and focuses primarily on addiction rather than complex psychiatric or psychological conditions.
Respaldo, by contrast, focuses on psychiatric care but does not necessarily treat addiction. Wyatt-Ras said some people therefore do not fit fully within the criteria of either existing service.
Government studies a coordinated model
The minister said the government is exploring a structured system that could bring the different forms of assistance together. The aim is to give people with multiple needs coordinated guidance, treatment and support.
The integrated addiction care proposal is a development from earlier street-outreach discussions because it specifically identifies the service gap between Hunto and Respaldo. No timetable, budget or final structure was announced.
Source: DIARIO.
