Evaluation Based on Project Implementation and Performance Outcomes
Jinan County in North Jeolla Province was selected as the "Best Local Government" in the 2025 National Mental Investment Support Project evaluation.
According to the county on the 23rd, the Ministry of Health and Welfare conducted this evaluation based on the performance and outcomes of this year's project across 229 cities, counties, and districts nationwide.
Jinan County was selected as the "Best Local Government" in the 2025 National Mental Investment Support Project evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Photo by Jinan County
The National Mental Investment Support Project is a government-funded program that provides professional psychological counseling to citizens experiencing emotional difficulties such as depression and anxiety, aiming to prevent the worsening of chronic mental illnesses, suicide risks, and self-harm. This year's evaluation was conducted across three areas and seven detailed categories.
The county highlighted the high demand for mental health support among the elderly, who account for 41% of the population as of September 30, due to the rural area's limited access to mental health services.
In response, the Jinan County Public Health Center has focused on alleviating the financial burden on low-income and marginalized groups and improving access to psychological support by collaborating with professional counseling agencies.
Notably, the number of service applicants increased from 4 in the previous year to 27 in 2025, with low-income applicants accounting for 50% of the total, demonstrating substantial support for economically vulnerable groups.
Additionally, the county was highly rated for discovering new service providers despite the challenging rural environment and for expanding service access points and improving accessibility for elderly residents with transportation difficulties.
Moon Minsoo, Director of the Public Health Center, stated, "We will do our best to alleviate the financial burden on residents and provide more professional and accessible psychological counseling services to create a community where everyone feels at ease."
Meanwhile, starting next year, the National Mental Investment Support Project will be renamed the "Mental Health Psychological Counseling Voucher Project." The Jinan County Mental Health Welfare Center plans to continue supporting local residents to help them maintain a stable daily life and healthy minds.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
