In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September, the VI Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Division is inviting the community to join in its awareness and remembrance events and announcing the launch of a new initiative to address the growing mental health needs of the territory’s youth and young adults.
“Here in the Virgin Islands, we don’t always talk about mental health or suicide prevention — and that silence can become stigma,” VI Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said. “But help is available, and suicide is preventable. This month we are reinforcing our commitment to opening conversations and making sure that persons know they are seen, valued, and not alone.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the department Behavioral Health Division will host a Suicide Prevention Walk and Candlelight & Lantern Release Ceremony on St. Croix. The walk will begin at the former Charles Harwood Memorial Complex modulars and proceed to the Christiansted Bypass lookout point where a candlelight and lantern remembrance ceremony will take place.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, a second event will be held on St. Thomas, beginning with a walk from Schneider Regional Medical Center to the Charlotte Amalie Waterfront promenade where the candlelight and lantern release ceremony will be held.
Both events begin at 6 p.m. and will include moments of reflection, remembrance, and a show of solidarity for all affected by suicide.
In 2024, three young Virgin Islanders lost their lives to suicide, leaving families and communities grieving. In remembrance of those lost, the VI Department of Health is strengthening its outreach with events to provide hope for those struggling, to make connections, and to inform the community about vital resources.
“Raising awareness about suicide is not just about prevention, it’s about reminding every person that their life matters, hope is real, and help is always within reach,” said Gesil Ramos, Behavioral Health Director for the VI Department of Health. Together, we can break the silence, reduce stigma, and create a community where no one feels alone.”
As part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the department’s Behavioral Health Division will also launch its first-ever Mental Health Radio Podcast Series on September 18. In collaboration with ROE FM 101.3 and Media One Productions LLC, the series will focus on opening conversations about mental health among the Gen Z population. Episodes will feature experts and youth perspectives, offering insights and resources to parents, teachers, counselors, and community leaders who support them.
Renan Steele, Deputy Commissioner for Behavioral Health for the VI Department of Health, highlighted the department’s dual approach of remembrance and proactive engagement.
“The candlelight walks and lantern releases are about honoring the lives we have lost and standing with those still struggling,” said Deputy Commissioner Steele. “At the same time, we know that prevention starts with conversation. That is why we are launching the podcast series—to create safe, open spaces where mental health is talked about, understood, and embraced as part of overall wellness. Our Gen Z youth deserve to be heard, supported, and empowered to thrive.”
Commissioner Encarnacion emphasized the importance of breaking cultural barriers around mental health. “Many of us, especially Gen Z, have carried the weight of two major hurricanes, the disruption and isolation of COVID-19, and daily pressures that can feel very overwhelming. We must give them the tools, the support, and the assurance that they are not alone. Talking about mental health is not a weakness; it is a step toward healing,” Commissioner Encarnacion said.
The radio podcast series is the first step in a broader campaign the VI Department of Health will launch in the coming months to engage the community in open, ongoing conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
Finding Support
People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States or its territories, you can reach a caring, trained counselor who can help.
988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress including, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, emotional distress and other reasons to connect.
Call 911, if danger for self-harm seems imminent.
