A 26-year-old woman diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia is confined within a barred room inside her own home in Velasco, a community in Gibara, Holguín province. This distressing situation has been brought to light by activist Noly Blak through a Facebook video that quickly went viral, highlighting the severe neglect faced by Cuban families dealing with serious mental health issues.
Overwhelmed Family Struggles to Cope
Gretel, born on November 19, 1999, began showing signs of her mental illness in 2012 at the young age of 13. Her care falls to her parents: her 56-year-old mother Jacqueline and her 81-year-old father, who relies on two walking sticks following bladder surgery in 2020 and subsequent tendonitis.
During severe episodes, Gretel can become violent, even knocking her mother to the ground. Unable to physically manage her outbursts, the family resorted to securing her in a barred room. Her father candidly states, "I have to face the situation. I can't just turn my back. I must confront whatever comes."
The Burden of Caring and Feeding
Jacqueline's testimony reveals exhaustion that extends beyond Gretel's episodes, touching on the despair of not being able to provide food for her daughter. "I've spent nights worrying about how to feed my daughter locked in that room. How do I buy her food? I've cried over it, and I lose sleep," she shared in the video.
The medications prescribed to Gretel, including 20 mg of olanzapine, 5 mg of haloperidol, and 25 mg of a substance called venadolina, cause an insatiable appetite. Jacqueline explains, "These medications increase her anxiety and appetite, and we can't keep up. I'm desperate."
Although the family receives some state assistance, Jacqueline is clear: "We're in a really difficult situation because what we get from social aid isn't enough for what this child needs."
Previously, when Gretel's case gained attention on social media, a U.S.-based doctor known as "Dr. Redis" sent crucial medications to the family. "It was a fantastic medication," Jacqueline recalled.
State Neglect and Empty Promises
When Noly Blak asked Jacqueline about visits from social workers, her response was unequivocal: "No, they don't come here. Nobody does." This absence starkly contrasts with the regime's formal promises of monthly subsidies, free medicines, and home visits from social workers for those with mental disabilities.
Despite the alarming circumstances, health authorities in Holguín have yet to comment, as reported by América Noticias USA, which covered the story.
A Widespread Mental Health Crisis
Gretel's plight is not an isolated case. It unfolds amid a worsening mental health crisis in Cuba. In July 2025, Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda admitted that only 30% to 32% of essential medications were available. By April 2026, BioCubaFarma was meeting just 40% of the demand for psychiatric drugs.
Holguín has witnessed similar cases: in July 2026, a psychiatric patient in Mayarí was found in severe malnutrition, although authorities denied his existence.
Community Support: The Last Resort
Noly Blak, whose real name is Norge Ernesto Díaz Blak, is recognized in Holguín for bringing attention to extreme vulnerability. During the video, Gretel briefly interacted with the activist. When asked if she loved her parents, she replied without hesitation, "I do love them."
The story not only illustrates a shocking image of a young woman behind bars but also serves as a desperate plea from a family seeking medication, support, and a dignified way to care for their daughter.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuban Mental Health Care
What challenges does Gretel's family face in caring for her?
Gretel's family struggles with her violent episodes, the inability to physically manage her, and the financial burden of providing adequate food and medication.
How does the Cuban government's response fall short?
Despite formal promises of support, the government has not provided adequate visits from social workers or sufficient aid, leaving families like Gretel's in dire need.
What broader issues are highlighted by Gretel's situation?
Gretel's case underscores the broader collapse of Cuba's mental health system, marked by severe medication shortages and inadequate state support.