What to teach with regard to mental health in an MPH program?

Mental health is one of the important subjects of the "New Public Health". Mental illness is one of the major causes of morbidity and even mortality, and traditional separation from health care systems has left mental illness poorly attended. New technologies and concepts allow for management of mental illness in the community, but this requires adequate organization and resources. Mental health policy requires a population-based approach, just as other issues in health, with prevention at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, as with physical disease. Thus training in mental health issues is an important element of a basic MPH program. We will consider the following issues: 1. Mental health training for whom? 2. A brief sketch of the mental health scenario in Europe; 3. What should be the proper reply to the mental health needs in Europe? 4. Suggested profile of an MPH graduate; 5. Recommended syllabus.