April 28, 2007 — The territory will celebrate Mental Health Month in May with a host of activities to highlight the challenges, advancements and continuing stigmatization of people with mental illness.
"Mental health problems do not discriminate based on race, creed, age limit or economic status," said Gov. John deJongh Jr. as he proclaimed May Mental Health Month. In his statement, deJongh mentioned anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.
"The different disorders collectively make mental health illness the most prevalent health problem in America today," he said, adding that early recognition and treatment increases the likelihood of restored health.
To highlight mental health issues, the Department of Health and community organizations, such as Ten Thousand Helpers of St. Croix, will host a series of events.
The Division of Mental Health, located at the Charles Harwood Complex in Estate Richmond, will have an open house, while officials will reopen its neighbor, the Tamarind Tree Club House. It will provide services to the homeless population on St. Croix, including learning daily living skills, vocational skills, socialization and taking part in group activities.
Along with the Health Department, Ten Thousand Helpers will host a mental health conference May 3 and 4 focusing on mental illness in children.
The keynote speaker for the May 1 open house is Lorraine V. Quinton, St. Croix state representative for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a national organization. Quinton's mission is to generate greater public awareness and eliminate the barriers of stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental illness.
An accomplished broadcast journalist and television anchor, Quinton has bipolar disorder. She has lived with this illness for many years while continuing to make strides in her professional life. She was a familiar face on the news desk at several ABC affiliates around the U.S. over a span of 20 years, including local stations WSVI TV and WBNB Channel 10.
Here is the list of activities for Mental Health Month:
— May 1: Open house at Charles Harwood Complex, 10 a.m. to noon;
— May 3-4: Mental Health Conference at Gertrude's Restaurant, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
— May 10: Reopening of the Tamarind Tree Club House, 10 a.m.;
— May 16: Beach party for clients at the Vincent Mason Pool and Resort in Frederiksted;
— May 18: Recognition Gala at Gertrude's Restaurant, 7 to 10 p.m.; and
— May 30: Mental Health Walk from Charles Harwood Complex to Fort Christiansvaern.
For more information, call the Charles Harwood Complex at 773-1311, ext. 3240, or Judy Bain at Ten Thousand Helpers at 719-2828.
Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
