As part of the activities envisaged by the Regional Plan of Prevention 2020-2025, the ASP of Messina has launched the PL11 project in school setting, with the aim of assessing early non-transmissible diseases (MCNT) early-in particular cardiovascular and oncological ones-through targeted actions aimed at school staff. The project, strongly desired by the strategic management of the ASP – with the general manager Giuseppe Cuccì, the health director Giuseppe Trimarchi and the administrative director Giancarlo Niutta – is part of the wake of health policies oriented to the active promotion of the culture of prevention in life and work contexts.
The first operating stage took place at the “Mazzini” Comprehensive Institute of Messina, who enthusiastically accepted the initiative. To present the project, during the preliminary conference, were Dr. Chiara Schirò, contact person uo educating and promoting health, and dr. Giuseppe Ruggeri, medical director UOC Assistance Frasgile patients, while Dr. Eliana Tripodo, Medical Director UOC SCREENING MANAGE CENTER, illustrated the clinical-scientific aspects related to cardiovascular and oncological prevention, highlighting the value of free oncological screening offered by the Mesina ASP for secondary prevention, according to the essential levels of assistance.
During the day, on 18 school operators, cardiovascular screening was carried out, the booking of screening mammographs, the screening of the right colon and the gynecological screening was suggested: after the compilation of the risk questionnaire (level), cardiological visits with ECG (II level) followed, carried out directly by Dr. Tripodo. The preliminary conference was also underlined the importance of promoting antipapillomavirus vaccination starting from the students, to encourage the prevention of cervical cancer.
The project has already aroused the interest of ten other schools in the metropolitan city, who have formally asked to join. In confirmation of the validity of the model adopted, the ASP of Messina guaranteed operational support for the extension of the program. A fundamental element for the effective realization of the project is multidisciplinary intersectorality: the synergy between different skills and professionalism allows you to face prevention in a complete and structured way. In this perspective, Dr. Antonia Santisi, director of the Uoc Psychology Service, also intervened, which will ensure support for the planned actions, contributing with psychosocial skills and promoting mental well -being within the school context and penitentiary setting, to cover even the weakest bands of the population. The Messina experience represents a good replicable practice, based on scientific evidence, integration between services and strong territorial participation. The school is thus confirmed as a strategic context to promote health and awareness, generating benefits that extend to the whole community.