Senate Told Mental Healthcare is still in “Crisis”

Although the subject has been discussed in media for at least two decades and the last two governors have declared mental healthcare emergencies, senators heard Wednesday why the subject is still a “crisis” for residents of the Virgin Islands and is a legacy for politicians.

In March 2019, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed an executive order declaring a mental healthcare emergency in the V.I. due to a shortage of psychiatric physicians and behavioral health providers. In 2016, Gov. Kenneth Mapp also declared a mental health emergency.

More than 20 providers of mental and emotional care were called to testify by the Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services with Sen. Ray Fonseca, the chairman. Most of the entities have outreach activities and literature for the public on mental illness, suicide and substance abuse. And some lead support groups. All said they need resources and lack a psychiatrist.