This project will incorporate a diverse range of activities and efforts aimed at combating PTSD, depression, and stress in residents of the US Virgin Islands, still showing the lingering effects of the storms on emotional, mental, and behavioral well-being.
A recently released community needs assessment focused on vulnerable residents of the US Virgin Islands reports that 60% of adult respondents could have depressive symptoms, while nearly 60% revealed possible levels of PTSD symptoms. In addition, 42.5% of secondary students may be at risk for PTSD. For children and adults, realities of post-hurricane life persist in stressors such as lack of a stable home, attending school in trailers on a shared campus, and the recurring threat of disasters.
CFVI funds, manages, or consults on a variety of projects and programs related to hurricane recovery. This particular cluster of projects will provide leadership, peer learning, and funding for a range of initiatives centered around address post-storm stress, trauma, and depression - with the ultimate goal of enhancing wellness and promoting resilience among populations served. CFVI has already identified a number of specific interventions that will positively impact residents of all ages.
With the Governor's recent announcement of a Territorial state of emergency for mental health, the need for multi-faceted interventions is pressing. By addressing a wide ranging target population, this project has the potential for ripple effects. For example, a teacher who receives therapeutic services not only improves her own wellbeing, but is also better positioned to positively impact her students.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
