In cooperation with the Department of Education, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (or NAMI) and 10,000 Helpers of St. Croix, First Lady Cecile deJongh has announces the creation of a Mental Health and Wellness Speakers’ Bureau comprised of Virgin Islands experts.
Bureau members will visit the territory’s schools to discuss various mental health topics with students. The in-class discussions will focus on the mental health curriculum adopted by the territory’s schools, including NAMI materials, as well as experts’ personal reflections gathered from working in the field of mental health, according to a press release issued Thursday by Government House.
“The Speakers’ Bureau is another vehicle that will enable students to receive important information on mental health, including how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness and ways to get help,” deJongh said.
Speakers will engage students in age-appropriate discussions, providing a platform to dialogue on these issues, so that students may become more comfortable and knowledgeable in addressing the challenges of coping with a mental disorder, and so students may further develop sensitivity towards those who suffer with mental disorders.
“Given that approximately one in five Virgin Islanders struggles with a mental illness, the Speakers’ Bureau is designed to help students understand that mental disorders can be diagnosed and treated, just like physical illnesses,” deJongh said, adding, “In conjunction with the existing mental health curriculum in the schools, our goal is to erase the stigma associated with these conditions and encourage compassion and understanding. Simply put, we aim to help students not only learn more about mental health but also recognize the prevalence of these conditions amongst youth and throughout our community.”
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, 80 perccent of young persons with mental health conditions are undiagnosed and untreated. The resulting toll in school failure, substance abuse, behavior problems and suicide is as staggering as it is avoidable. Early detection and treatment of mental disorders can result in a shorter and less disabling illness.
Cecile deJongh initiated the Speakers’ Bureau concept following meetings with the offices of the district superintendents this summer in which she was informed that mental health topics are part of the schools’ curriculum.
“I’m pleased that mental health topics are part of the standing curriculum and look forward to adding to the level of discussion through this Speakers’ Bureau initiative,” de Jongh said.
Parent University will also incorporate a mental health curriculum component in its classes for adults in both districts and will be visited by members of the Speakers’ Bureau.
