Hey #Uruguay folks! I have cousins outside of Montevideo who have a complex of mental health and physical issues, and who are in food insecurity, and who have struggled to access services there. We have been sending them money for years but it's beyond our means. They need a social worker, and have failed to find one through regular channels. Is there such a thing as a private social worker who we can hire to get them into the system?

@pluralistic In case of an emergency involving homeless people in Montevideo, someone can call free number 0800 8798 or send a WhatsApp message to 092 910 000. For emergencies in the interior of the country, please call 911. If medical attention is required, the SAME (medical emergency) number is 105.
From one of us take action on this we need to know their exactly location
@pluralistic Hi, may be it's a good idea to share their location so that local people could help. I don't know much about private social workers.

Here there are some links about public (and free) health system and its mental health facilities (both in Spanish)

https://www.gub.uy/tramites/afiliacion-asse

https://www.asse.com.uy/categoria/Direccion-de-Salud-Mental-320?pagina=1

@pluralistic Uruguay has a private system you may want to check out. Mutualistas: This is popular with many Uruguayans & expats. Mutualistas are private hospital-based healthcare organizations where members pay a fixed monthly fee for comprehensive coverage (routine check-ups, specialist visits, surgeries, hospitalization).

Mutualista Membership: Even if they plan to use the public system, it's worth exploring Mutualista options for shorter wait times and more personalized care. Popular mutualistas include Asociación Española and British Hospital (especially in Montevideo).

Consider Patient Navigators/Social Workers: Uruguay does have "patient navigators" who assist individuals in understanding results, accessing resources, and overcoming barriers in the healthcare system. Asociación de Asistentes Sociales de Uruguay - National Social Work Association in Uruguay:
Contact Information: Defensa 1662 esq. E. V. Haedo, Montevideo, Uruguay. Email: adasu@adinet.com.uy. Phones: 2408 5182 / 092 327 524.