DOH Says $18 Million for Behavioral Health Facility Was Not Received, Prompting Questions From Lawmakers

A V.I. Department of Health update on the state of behavioral health care in the Virgin Islands drew concern from lawmakers Thursday after officials said major appropriations intended for behavioral health infrastructure had either been insufficient, delayed, unused or never received. Dr. Nicole Craigwell-Syms, assistant commissioner in the Department of Health, told the Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services that a review of prior appropriations “reflects a pattern of delayed access to funds, partial utilization, and ongoing gaps in infrastructure and workforce capacity.” She said that while the Legislature has “authorized significant investments in behavioral health, challenges in funding have affected sustainability.” Craigwell-Syms then outlined several legislative actions, including some that did not result in full financial support for the projects they were intended to advance. Act 8152 appropriated $3 million to establish a behavioral health facility at Anna’s H...