Press Releases

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT GRANTS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN COMMEMORATION OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement announcing two important grants for VI Department of Health as we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month:

“Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, my office joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year my office works in order to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

“Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2008 to start changing this. Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition.

“I am pleased two announce that the Virgin Islands Department of Health will receive a $1,000,000.00 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Community Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) program enables the Virgin Islands to provide comprehensive community mental health services and address needs and gaps in existing treatment services for those with serious mental illness. The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program (SABG) program allows the Virgin Islands to plan, implement and evaluate activities to prevent, treat and help more people recover from substance use disorder. This funding will also allow recipients to make investments in existing prevention, treatment and recovery infrastructure, promote support for providers and address unique local needs to deliver substance use disorder services.

“Taking on the challenges of mental health conditions, health coverage and the stigma of mental illness requires all of us. In many communities, these problems are increased by less access to care, cultural stigma and lower quality care. These grants will help alleviate those situations.”

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