Date/Time
Date(s) - 02/10/2024
09:30 - 11:30
Location
Press Club Brussels Europe
Categories
Dear,
We would like to invite you to a roundtable focusing on the urgent connection between addictions, mental health, and cardiovascular diseases—a crisis that is taking a heavy toll on European society.
Every year, over 6 million new cases of cardiovascular disease are diagnosed in the EU, and more than 1.8 million deaths are linked to it. Addictions to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, often compounded by mental health disorders, are key contributors to this alarming trend. Policymakers and experts are now mobilizing to propose solutions to address this escalating crisis and reverse these staggering statistics.
Date and Time: Wednesday, October 2, 09:30–11:30
Venue: Press Club Brussels, Rue Froissart 95, 1040 Brussels
In 2023, cardiovascular disease accounted for nearly 12% of the EU’s total disease burden. Each year, there are more than 6 million new cases and over 1.8 million deaths related to cardiovascular disease in the EU. Hungary, currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, has prioritised cardiovascular diseases in its health policy. Ursula von der Leyen, newly re-elected President of the European Commission, has also included cardiovascular disease in her political program. Policymakers are expected to examine the causes of these diseases, including the consumption of harmful substances and products.
Poor mental health is also a major contributor to the EU’s public health crisis. Addictions, particularly to alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, are closely interlinked with mental health issues. Mental health disorders can drive substance abuse, which increases the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions.
The start of a new EU mandate represents a significant opportunity to discuss cardiovascular diseases, addictions and mental health and highlight evidence-based policy options. This event oNers an opportunity for public health advocates to exchange views and formulate potential policy solutions to tackle cardiovascular diseases and addictions at the EU level with special attention to the needs of Central European Countries.
Agenda:
Moderated by Tomáš Sadílek, Expert on International Drug Regulations and Advisor to the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic
09:30 – 09:45 Coffee and registration
09:45 – 10:00 Opening remarks
• Prof. Ing. Danuše Nerudová, Ph.D., Member of the European Parliament, Substitute in the ENVI Committee, EPP, Czechia
10:00 – 10:15 Keynote Speech
• Mgr. Jindřich Vobořil, Pg.Dip., Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Institute for Rational Addiction Policies, Former National Drug Coordinator, Member of the Team of Advisors to the Czech Prime Minister
10:15 – 11:00 Policy roundtable
• Michael Fanta Ph.D., Chief Analyst at Centre for Economic and Market Analysis (CETA), Lecturer and Researcher at Anglo-American University in Prague (AAU)
• Mgr. Helena Gherasim, Head of the Association of Providers of Addiction Services (APAS)
11:00 – 11:30 Q&A Session
11:30 – 12:30 Light Lunch & Networking
We look forward to your participation and the opportunity to engage in a discussion on these key public health issues.
Please confirm your attendance by October 1, 2024, on secretariat@addiction-policy.eu.