TCI Health Minister pledges Urgency is Serving Mental Health

#TurksandCaicos, October 14, 2021 – Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Jamell Robinson says the Government will be making increased investment to tackle the issue of mental health.

In his message for World Mental Health Day, observed under the theme “Mental Health In An Unequal World,” he said it was fitting for the focus to be on the way persons who suffer from the disorder are treated.

While noting that finances are not the only factors affecting persons living with chronic illnesses and mental health disorders, he said mental health is a fundamental element to “overall health and livelihood.

“It must be recognised and treated by all Turks and Caicos residents of the, with the same urgency as physical health. We must continue to ensure that mental health remains an important part of our public health mission-we will make certain that the mental health project that was started, is seen to completion. We will ensure that where necessary, increased funding is made available for outreach and support programmes,” the Minister said

He disclosed that a special needs support group for parents, guardians and caregiver will be implement, adding that mental issue is a “longstanding problem” that has been tackled for decades by various professionals, and it must be part of all citizens to lend support and care, where they can.

The Minister stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic has “triggered us” to ponder more about individual health and wellbeing and brought to the forefront that while some enjoy the beauties of life, others cannot.

“Not all of us have the same experience while accessing necessary services, such as healthcare, and what resonates most is the difference in health outcomes for different people, sometimes,” he outlined.