Kirsti Skogsholm is the mother of twins Mina Alexandra and Mille Andrea (16) who died of a heroin overdose in January. Now she is awarded the Openness Prize in connection with World Mental Health Day. She receives the award for her great courage and the openness she has shown in the struggle to shed light on the deficiencies in mental health care in Norway, writes Mental Helse in a press release. – When the twins developed serious eating disorders, there was no 24-hour facility for them where they could recover. Child welfare came in as a helping agency when the girls became too ill to stay at home, but they were not safe there either. Mille and Mina died in January this year from an overdose of ether after developing drug problems, the press release states. Skogsholm has managed to raise the matter to national level. – Kirsti has shed light on major problems in the prevention and treatment of mental health challenges and substance abuse problems among young people. Not least, she has shown how difficult the struggle to be heard as a relative is. She is a representative for relatives and young people who do not get help, says 2nd deputy head of Mental Health, Haakon Steen. Skogsholm says that it is great to be awarded the prize. – I was surprised, touched, proud and happy. I accept it on behalf of many people, and it is also painful for Mina and my Mille, says Skogsholm. The winner receives a work of art and NOK 10,000, which is donated to a charity. Skogsholm has chosen to give the money to Rådgivning om eating disorders (ROS).
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