Revitalizing a Facility
The center, which was previously a semi-residential facility for individuals with dependencies, has been renovated and reorganized to provide a specific service dedicated to adolescents and young adults with psychopathological issues. The project, as communicated by Ausl Romagna, stems from the integration of the operational units of the Department of Mental Health and Pathological Dependencies of Forlì-Cesena: prominently featuring the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry alongside the operational unit for Pathological Dependencies and Mental Health Center, supporting the transition to adult services.
Supportive Donations
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the flamenco dance school “Studio 524,” led by Mahou De Castilla, donated proceeds from the charity performance “Addictus,” staged last June at the Teatro Bonci (see link below), to support the project. The funds will be allocated for the purchase of technological media devices used by “Meridiana” for adolescents undergoing treatment. The Rotary Club also contributed to the project with donations from the sale of the book “Essere o malessere,” edited by Mirella Montemurro.
The Inauguration
The opening event was attended by Carmelina Labruzzo, the councilor for Services for Individuals and Families, Paola Ceccarelli, the director of the Cesena Savio and Rubicone District, Alessio Saponaro, the head of the Regional Emilia-Romagna Department of Mental Health, Pathological Dependencies, and Health in Prisons, Michele Sanza, the director of the Department of Mental Health and Pathological Dependencies Forlì Cesena, Mariella Allegretti, the head of the Child Neuropsychiatry Unit Forlì Cesena, Gianluca Farfaneti, the coordinator of the clinical team Marusca Stella, and the director of the Welcoming and Fundraising Unit Elisabetta Montesi.
Insight into the Facility
Some Statistics
In the province of Forlì Cesena, in 2024, active treatment pathways engaged 7,042 users, including 3,105 new cases. The service managed 58 percent of the total accesses. Among minors, admissions decreased from 7,272 in 2019 to 6,228 in the first half of 2025, while users in treatment increased from 4,051 in 2020 to 4,298 in the same period of 2025. The age group 14-18 represents 31 percent of the overall users and continues to grow, reaching 49.5 percent when considering ages 11-18. Within the treated users, the 14-18 age group increased from 25 percent in 2020 to 30 percent in 2024. There is also a rise in hospitalizations and psychiatric diagnoses in adolescence: cases of mood disorders, self-harm, anxiety, and conduct disorders increased from 258 in 2022 to 417 in 2024 (+62 percent). Eating and nutrition disorders grew from 78 to 109 cases (+40 percent). Additionally, neurodevelopmental disorders saw an increase, with 611 users diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and 323 with ADHD, as well as cases of social withdrawal characterized by school disengagement, limited interactions, and problematic use of personal digital devices.
Target Audience
The “Meridiana” facility caters to girls and boys aged 16 to 25 struggling with emotion regulation difficulties, mood disorders, severe phobic anxiety syndromes, social withdrawal, psychotic episodes, often combined with eating disorders and substance abuse or addiction. Access is granted upon referral with a confirmed psychopathological diagnosis from the relevant service, requiring active treatment for at least three months. The program is available to residents in the Cesena, Rubicone, and Alta Valle del Savio districts. Families play a vital role in the program, participating in assessments and defining care plans, receiving information, psychoeducation, and support interventions. The care team consists of three psychologists, seven professional educators, neuropsychiatrists, psychiatrists, art teachers for woodworking and ceramics workshops, and nursing coordinators, all led by a psychologist-psychotherapist manager. Since February 2025, 20 adolescents and young adults (aged 14-25) referred by Ausl services have been enrolled in the program.