Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the state of crime and violence in the country is affecting the mental health of citizens.

Speaking at the annual National Day of Prayer on Wednesday morning, Mr Holness recounted an interaction with a citizen who he said urged him to do something about the issues.

The prime minister said the interaction demonstrated to him that the mental health, and overall well being of citizens, are being impacted negatively by crime and violence.

He reiterated that the issues must be addressed in a non-partisan way.