The Government of the Virgin Islands recently hosted its first webinar to address psychosocial and mental health support during COVID-19.

The online seminar titled “Basic Psychosocial Skills for Shelter Managers” is part of a series coordinated in collaboration with the Mental Health Unit at the Department of Non-communicable Diseases and the Mental Health of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Irad Potter stated that shelter managers and staff play a crucial role during the hurricane season. He said this year will be even more challenging as everyone is coping with the stressful impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This series of webinars he added, are designed to ensure that the community is better prepared to face this uncertain time

Participants received guidance on supportive communication, offering practical support, helping people who are experiencing stress and providing support to vulnerable populations and self-care.

The online workshop was facilitated by Deputy Director of the Department of Disaster Management Dr. Evangeline Inniss-Springer and Dr. Claudina Cayetano of the Pan American Organization/ World health Organization.

For more information on upcoming series, persons can call the Public Health department in the Ministry of Health and Social Development at 468-2274 or visit www.bvi.gov.vg.The webinars are part of the on-going Strengthening Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Disaster Management project which began in 2018 stemming from the 2017 disasters.