CHRISTIANSTED – St. Croix Senator Alicia Barnes issued the following statement commending Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. for Executive Order No. 486-2019 issued on Tuesday.
The executive order extended the mental health state of emergency in the U.S. Virgin Islands due to a shortage of psychiatric physicians and behavioral health providers.
“I commend the Governor on his recent action which extended the Mental Health State of Emergency,” Senator Barnes said. “This action will facilitate the expedited hiring of mental health professionals by streamlining the personnel process bringing much needed relief to our residents who are suffering from behavioral health issues.
Although there is still more work to be done, Barnes said she and her staff are ready to help.
“I look forward to working with Governor Bryan and my colleagues in the 33rd Legislature for the implementation of short and long term solutions to remedy the longstanding mental health crisis plaguing our community,” Barnes said.