On January 13, 2020, the Governor submitted to the Legislature, the first Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Act (“BHDA”), and now this administration is launching a Public Health Campaign to implement new legislation, programs, services and health initiatives across the Virgin Islands, beginning with the BHDA.
The first step in the Governor’s Public Health Campaign is to seek your help and support to ensure that the BHDA is passed by the Legislature and implemented in the Virgin Islands. To assist in expanding public health in the Virgin Islands and to participate in the Public Health Campaign, the Governor welcomes your contribution and requests the following:
Step 1: Review the BHDA provided below, and the PowerPoint summary of the Act
Step 2: Provide your comments and feedback on the Act here
Step 3: Submit letters of support for the Act and indicate if you would like your voice to be heard when this Act is discussed before the Legislature by emailing bhacomment@go.vi.gov
Background on the Virgin Islands Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Act
The Virgin Islands Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Act is an Act that expands and updates mental and behavioral health services and puts every existing provision in the Virgin Islands Code relevant to mental or behavioral health into one place.
The Act coordinates services by public and private agencies to better support individuals throughout the Virgin Islands who suffer from behavioral health challenges, mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, alcoholism, or drug dependency. The Act also establishes the first comprehensive public facility to provide all of the following:
- Treatment for those suffering from behavioral health challenges, mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, alcoholism, or drug dependency
- Comprehensive services to more Virgin Islanders, including all who require behavioral and mental health services, persons with developmental disabilities, and those suffering from substance or alcohol use disorders.
This is a historic moment in Virgin Islands history and an opportunity for us to make a difference!
So send your letters in and indicate your interest in testifying NOW by emailing us at bhacomment@go.vi.gov