Tue Unrrep STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS



OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

GOVERNMENT HOUSE



Charlotte Amalie, V.I. 00802

340-774-0001



MENTAL HEALTH MONTH



HREKKKEREAKEREEEE



BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED



RKARAARAHEAREKE



A PROCLAMATION



Mental Health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being. Mental illnesses

are real and prevalent in our Nation and Territory, and half of us will have a mental health diagnosis

at some point in our lives or the lives of our families.



Many people throughout the world experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives

and should feel comfortable in seeking help and support to manage these times. Engaging in

prevention, early identification and early intervention are effective ways to reduce the burden of

mental illnesses as they are to reduce the burden of other chronic conditions.



There is a strong body of research that identifies behavioral health risks and supports

specific tools that many people can use to protect their health and well-being. Jails and prisons

have often become the default places of custodial care for even nonviolent people with serious

mental illnesses.



Each business, school, government agency, faith-based organization, healthcare provider,

organization and resident has a responsibility to promote mental health wellness and support

prevention efforts for all.



Statistically, one in four American adults and children are affected by a mental illness

regardless of race, creed, age or economic status. Every year, more than fifty million Americans

suffer from a mental disorder such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder 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 since 1949 during the month of May, mental health

professionals across the Nation and throughout the United States Virgin Islands join to raise

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.

Proclamation — Mental Heaith Month 2017

Page 2



While mental illness is the most prevalent health problem in America today, including

more prevalent than cancer, Jung disease and heart disease combined, proper diagnosis and

treatment enable most individuals to successfully recover and go on to lead fulfilling and

productive lives. Mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and well-being. 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. Early recognition and treatment of these problems vastly increase the

likelihood of restored health.



In the United States 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 and in

recognizing the early warning signs of mental disorders. Addressing the complex mental health

needs of children, youth, and families today is fundamental to the future of the Virgin Islands. The

need for comprehensive, coordinated mental health services for children, youth, and families

places upon our community a critical responsibility. In particular, the Early Childhood Advisory

Committee, through its unique approach, is effectively bringing the focus of caring for the social,

emotional, and mental health needs of children and families in our community.



NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kenneth E. Mapp, Governor of the Virgin Islands of the United

States, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended,

do hereby proclaim the month of May 2017 as Mental Health Month in the United States Virgin

Islands. Additionally, I proclaim Thursday, May 4, 2017 as Children’s Mental Health Day within

the Territory. | commend all those who assist in providing services to the mentally challenged in

the public, private, and non-profit sectors and encourage all Virgin Islanders, including all

government agencies, businesses and civic organizations to openly discuss mental health issues

and to participate in activities scheduled for the month of May 2017. [also urge our community

to learn more about mental illness, to overcome the stigma and fear attached to mental disorders

and to confidently seek the required support and treatment.



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the

Government of the Virgin Isl of the United States to be affixed at Charlotte Amalie, St.

Thomas, Virgin Islands, this 3"C day of May, mY



Kenneth £. Mapp

Governor



Attest:



Osbert E. Potter

Lieutenant Governor