Gubernatorial Proclamation - Mental Health Month

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UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	May 8, 2010

Gubernatorial Proclamation - Mental Health Month

Gov. John P. de Jongh, Jr. has proclaimed the month of May 2010 as “Mental Health Month” in the Territory. The national theme for the month-long tribute is “Live Your Life Well” in recognition of mental health being essential to everyone's overall health and well-being. The Governor commends all those who assist in providing services to the mentally challenged in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Mental illness affects one in five Americans, regardless of race, creed, age or economic status. Every year, more than fifty million Americans suffer from a mental disorder such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia. Far too often, symptoms are ignored due to a lack of information, discrimination, or out of fear of addressing the issue. It is for this reason that for the month of May, mental health professionals across the nation and throughout the Territory are raising awareness on the importance of: recognizing symptoms; receiving a proper diagnosis from a qualified health care practitioner or doctor; securing needed treatment towards recovery; and taking steps to maintain good mental health overall.

While mental illness is the most prevalent health problem in America today, including more prevalent than cancer, lung disease and heart disease combined, proper diagnosis and treatment enable most individuals to successfully recover and go on to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

In the Virgin Islands, there is a serious need to provide adequate and equitable health care coverage for individuals suffering from mental illness. With treatment plans available at qualified medical healthcare establishments throughout the Territory, it is important for family and friends to play a key role in assisting loved ones who may be experiencing symptoms.

During Mental Health Month, Governor de Jongh encourages all Virgin Islanders, and all government agencies, businesses and civic organizations to openly discuss mental health issues and to participate in activities scheduled for the month. The Governor urges all residents of the Territory to learn more about mental illness and to feel comfortable and confident in seeking the help needed to get better.

In recognition of National Mental Health Month, First Lady Cecile de Jongh launched a public awareness campaign to provide tips and facts, including signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment information. As part of the campaign, throughout the month, public service announcements are featured on radio stations Territory-wide about the national “Live Your Life Well” mental health initiative.

Residents can also learn more about mental health issues during Open House sessions at Department of Health facilities, per the following schedule:

May 17 --11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Mental Health Division, Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged on St. Croix
May 19 – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Charles Harwood Medical Complex on St. Croix
May 28 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Eldra Schulterbrandt Long Term Care Facility on St. Thomas

Residents may also speak with a qualified healthcare provider by contacting the Division of Mental Health on St. Croix at 773-1311 or on St. Thomas at 774-4888.

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A PROCLAMATION

Mental Health Month in the United States Virgin Islands

WHEREAS , May 2010 has been designated "Mental Health Month" with the theme "Live Your Life Well"; and

WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and well-being; and

WHEREAS , mental health problems do not discriminate based on race, creed, age limit or economic status: and

WHEREAS, One in five American adults and children are affected by a mental illness; and

WHEREAS , in a given year, more than fifty million American adults and children will suffer from a mental disorder such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia; and

WHEREAS, the different disorders collectively make mental illness the most prevalent health problem in America today -- more common than cancer, lung' and heart disease combined: and

WHEREAS, a majority of the people who overcome the fear, discrimination and misunderstanding of mental disorders, and who seek professional help find relief following treatment and most mental illnesses are successfully treated; and

WHEREAS, early recognition and treatment of these problems vastly increases the likelihood of restored health; and

WHEREAS , people with mental health illness can recover and lead full productive lives; and
WHEREAS , a serious need exists to provide adequate and equitable health care coverage for mental disorders; and

WHEREAS, family, friends and co-workers play a key role in recognizing the early warning signs of mental disorders;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John P . de Jongh, Jr., Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2010, as "Mental Health Month" in the Virgin Islands. I encourage all residents, government departments and agencies, businesses and civic organizations to participate in the activities scheduled for this month.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Government of the United states Virgin Islands to be affixed at Charlotte Amalie, St . Thomas, Virgin Islands, this 28th day of April , A. D. , 2010.

JOHN P. de Jongh, JR.