Psychiatrists and psychologists of the Balti-based mental health center “Somato” have provided more than 6,000 consultations to persons suffering from mental disorders, the 34 beneficiaries of the center and persons from the community. In 2009, the center implemented five projects to the value of about 3.7 million lei to support persons with mental illnesses, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a report by “Somato” Association. The center provided day services to 146 direct beneficiaries and accommodated 12 persons on a temporary basis. In 2009, “Somato” took part in the implementation of two projects financed by foreign donors – the Support to the Reform in Mental Health supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Moldova and the Program for Developing and Testing Protected Apartments for Persons Suffering from Mental Disorders supported by the European Union's Delegation to Moldova. The second is the most ambitious and costly project that will be completed in 2012. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Moldova supported three more important programs carried out by “Somato” Association in 2009, while Keystone Human Services Moldova financed a project that allowed extending the social services for persons with disabilities. Last year, the Association “Somato” carried out a number of activities to promote social inclusion and eliminate the stigma of mental disorders. The nationwide awareness raising campaign “Mental Health Week” was the most important activity. The mental health center “Somato” started work in 2000. It was founded by the association with the same name. At the end of 2004, the center obtained the status of public institution.