Conversations about mental health challenges are often held in whispers, but leaders in the Virgin Islands community spoke out loudly and proudly on Feb. 25 during a fashion-forward fundraiser gala …
March 3, 2023
July 27, 2022
Campaign tackles mental illness stigma
Valerie Lettsome recalls overhearing a recent conversation among a group of women chatting about their week. One received enthusiastic support for seeking medical advice to get her diabetes in check; …
May 26, 2022
Breaking stigma: VI celebrates mental health
Community members got moving on May 21 as they danced on the grass at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, enjoyed a performance by students from Adagio Dance School, …
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December 2, 2021
In trying times, Safe Haven Transitional Centre looks for new ways to support community
Debrah Hill hasn’t lived with her children for 14 years, she said. She hasn’t seen them in five. She became homeless after losing her job in 2003, often staying with …
September 30, 2021
EDITORIAL: Mental health crises are a big red flag
We were deeply troubled to hear police warn recently that mental health crises are on the rise in the territory after they rescued a hospital patient from the water in …
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September 24, 2021
Mental health patient rescued from Road Harbour amidst spike in crises
Police on Sunday rescued a 20-year-old man from Road Harbour after he escaped from the behavioural ward at the Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital, Police Information Officer Diane Drayton stated on …
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May 14, 2021
Mental Health Month tackles Covid-19
For Dr. Virginia Rubaine, Mental Health Month takes on added importance this year as the community struggles with the Covid-19 pandemic. “We’re going to be providing information about adapting after …
September 1, 2020
Government launches mental health campaign
In an attempt to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support in the Virgin Islands amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a new educational campaign launched with a virtual meeting broadcast last Thursday …
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May 28, 2020
Governor urges residents to keep up Covid-19 safety measures
Five days before government announced Tuesday that there are no more known active cases of Covid-19 in the territory, Governor Gus Jaspert called on Virgin Islands residents to remain vigilant …
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May 4, 2020
Coping with Covid-19 anxiety
A recent video chat about mental health started off with reassurances that feelings of anxiety are normal, and an invitation to virtually join the moderator in enjoying a calming mug …
October 16, 2019
Constant PTSD in climate change age
NEW YORK CITY — With climate change expected to bring more frequent natural disasters to the Caribbean, mental health experts are changing the way they talk about post-traumatic stress disorder. …
September 16, 2019
Irma’s mental health issues linger
Dr. Virginia Rubaine had plans to travel on Sept. 7, 2017. But on Sept. 6, Hurricane Irma swept through the Virgin Islands, devastating homes, businesses and livelihoods, and dashing any …
