On May 16, 2025 , the seventh edition of the Tobacco and Mental Health Conference was held, a biennial meeting that has consolidated itself as a reference space for mental health and tobacco prevention professionals. Organized by the Tobacco and Mental Health Working Group of the Catalan Network of Smoke-Free Hospitals , with the support of the Public Health Agency of Catalonia , and under the heading of “We continue to break stereotypes”, the conference had as its main objective to raise awareness and provide professionals with tools to address tobacco consumption in people with mental disorders.
The event was opened by the coordinators of the working group, Antoni Gual (IDIBAPS) and Montse Ballbè (Catalan Institute of Oncology, ICO), and by the coordinator of the Network, Cristina Martínez (ICO). Afterwards, the Secretary of Public Health of Catalonia, Esteve Fernández , gave an introduction on the impact of smoking on mental health and highlighted the efforts made by the Network and its working group.
Debate on young people, cannabis and tobacco
The first panel discussion revolved around the combined consumption of cannabis and tobacco among young people , a growing problem. Manuel Isorna , a psychologist from the University of Vigo, participated; Daniel Ilzarbe , child and youth psychiatrist at the Hospital Clínic; and Xavier Roca , addiction psychologist at the Sant Pau Hospital. The debate was moderated by Josep Maria Suelves , from the Public Health Agency of Catalonia.
Evolution of data and resources
During the day , preliminary results of a study on tobacco control in mental health facilities in Catalonia over the last decade were highlighted, by Montse Ballbè (ICO) and moderated by Carmen Cabezas (Former Secretary of Public Health of Catalonia). Data on the intervention, professional training and the evolution of the prevalence of consumption among patients and professionals were presented, as well as the effects of the tobacco law on the ban on smoking in hospital admission units.
As is usual in each edition, new materials developed by the working group were also presented. On this occasion, a psychoeducational and motivational board game was presented for working in groups of young and adult patients. Laura Antón (ICO) explained the process of creating and operating the game, while Eva Domingo (Hospital de Mollet) and Magda Caldentey (Hospital Clínic) shared their experience with using the game with patients. The panel was moderated by Natàlia Gómez, from the Fundació Hospitalàries Martorell.
Where are high-complexity smokers treated?
The second panel discussion addressed the issue of highly complex smokers and the difficulties in providing them with adequate care. The debate, moderated by Sílvia Mondon (Hospital Clínic), was attended by Gemma Nieva (psychologist, Hospital Vall d’Hebron), Carmen Martí (nurse, Fundació Pere Mata – Terres de l’Ebre), Cristina Pinet (psychiatrist emeritus, Hospital de Sant Pau), and Anna Gómez (nurse, CAP de La Seu d’Urgell).
Stories of overcoming
To end the day, a document was presented with real stories of people with mental disorders who have quit smoking , with comments from the professionals who accompanied them in the process. The presentation was given by Isabel Feria (nurse, Fundació Hospitalàries Sant Boi), and was moderated by Albert Moncada , deputy director general of Health Promotion.
The closing was given by Josep Tristany , director of the Mental Health and Addictions Master Plan , who highlighted the importance of continuing to move towards better care and prevention of smoking in the field of mental health.