A 50% increase in requests for psychological and psychiatric support among young people aged 14 to 25 and a catchment area of approximately 6,000 clients in care across the region : these are the numbers that paint a picture of mental health in the Medio Campidano.
To respond to these emerging needs and ensure continuity of care, ASL 6 has formally appointed Dr. Sonia Marchegiani to lead the Mental Health and Addiction Department , launching a strategic plan based on the integration of specialist facilities and the local network.
The appointment is part of the reorganization and strengthening of governance at ASL No. 6 of Medio Campidano. With Resolution No. 842 of October 28, 2026, General Director Joseph Polimeni recently appointed Dr. Sonia Marchegiani as interim director of the Department of Mental Health and Addictions (DSMD), in the presence of Health Director Raimondo Pinna.
The assignment is part of the strategic actions implemented by the Company Management to ensure continuity of care, clinical governance, and the full functionality of essential community services . The Department represents a key hub for caring for individuals with mental health problems or addictions, operating with a multidisciplinary approach and in close collaboration with the social and health districts, the hospital network, and community services.
In particular, the DSMD of the ASL 6 is divided into four operational reference structures: Mental Health Center (Complex Structure); Pathological Addictions Service (Complex Structure); Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry (Simple Departmental Structure); Psychiatric Rehabilitation (Simple Departmental Structure).
The Department currently serves approximately 6,000 clients, including minors and adults. A particularly significant epidemiological finding concerns the youth population: over the past five years, there has been a 50% increase in referrals for those aged 14 to 25, demonstrating the urgent need for timely and effective responses dedicated to young people and their families.
Commenting on the decision, Director General Joseph Polimeni stated: "We strongly supported and formalized this transition to ensure continuity and momentum in a strategically important sector such as mental health. Entrusting this role to Dr. Marchegiani is part of our ongoing effort to complete our organizational structure and strengthen our local healthcare network, ensuring timely, competent responses that meet the health needs of our citizens."
For her part, Sonia Marchegiani—former director of the Mental Health Center (CSM)—emphasized: "I accept this temporary role with a profound sense of responsibility to the organization and to the patients and families in our area. Our daily commitment will be focused on strengthening teamwork, enhancing the multidisciplinary approach and the close integration between community and hospital services in the Medio Campidano region."