Legislation to Enhance Behavioral Health Services Temporarily Paused in Committee

A transformative piece of legislation aimed at amending the Virgin Islands Code to enhance access to behavioral health services has been temporarily paused in committee. The initiative, introduced by Senator Diane Capehart, seeks to inaugurate a Psychiatric Emergency Response Team for mobile crisis intervention and to establish the formal operation of the 9-8-8 telecommunication system for behavioral health crises.

Bill 35-0224, if enacted, would pave the way for a comprehensive community intervention team tasked with providing emergency assessments and referrals for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Senator Capehart’s vision includes the training of peace officers and the allocation of resources to the Bureau of Corrections for the training of correction officers and the provision of specific services. The bill also highlights the importance of training for nursing staff who manage patients during mental health episodes. A pivotal element of the bill is the creation of a 9-8-8 trust fund to ensure the financial sustainability of this critical service.

The V.I. Fire and Emergency Management Service has emerged as a vocal advocate for the bill, with Assistant Director of EMS, Lisle Evelyn, lauding it as a vital step toward addressing the mental health needs of the community. The proposed psychiatric emergency response team is seen as a model of best practice within emergency medical services, with the potential to foster a more empathetic and knowledgeable response to mental health crises.

Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion expressed her endorsement of the bill, particularly for its role in formalizing the National 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline. She views the hotline as an essential resource that offers hope and timely intervention, potentially reducing the strain on emergency services by preventing the escalation of behavioral health crises. Encarnacion emphasized the need for consistent funding for the hotline, revealing plans to seek $1.1 million annually from the general fund to support crisis intervention efforts.

However, the discussion around the bill has revealed broader concerns within the legislative body about the territory’s commitment to addressing behavioral health issues. Senator Novelle Francis and Committee Chair Ray Fonseca voiced frustrations over the territory’s perceived inaction and insufficient resource allocation in the behavioral health sector. Similarly, Senator Milton Potter raised questions about the Department of Health’s capacity to implement the bill, while Senator Donna Frett-Gregory sought clarity on the strategic plan and funding source for the 9-8-8 trust fund.

Amid these discussions, the Department of Health has indicated plans to collaborate with the Office of Management and Budget to identify potential budget adjustments to fund the 24/7 hotline, which would be staffed by qualified therapists.

Despite the momentum behind Bill 35-0224 and the broad support it has garnered, Senator Capehart decided to hold the bill in committee due to pending amendments and an unforeseen adjournment caused by inclement weather in St. Croix. This pause is seen as a strategic step to ensure the legislation is fully prepared for future consideration, reflecting a commitment to thorough deliberation and the well-being of the Virgin Islands community.