U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health, through its Behavioral Health Division, is seeking Virgin Islands residents with lived experience receiving mental health services, as well as caregivers, to serve as consumer representatives on the Behavioral Health Council of the Virgin Islands (BHCVI).
“We believe that individuals who have personally experienced behavioral health challenges, navigated the behavioral health system, or supported a family member or loved one, bring perspectives that complement clinical expertise,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “Their insights cannot be learned from a textbook. They help us better understand the needs of our community, strengthen the services we provide, and ensure that our behavioral health system is compassionate, responsive, and centered on the people it serves.”
Residents interested in serving on the Behavioral Health Council of the Virgin Islands should submit the following information via email no later than Friday, July 31, 2026, to Ms. Danielle Petersen, Behavioral Health State Prevention Coordinator, at danielle.petersen@doh.vi.gov:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Physical address
- Mailing address (if different)
- Telephone number
- Email address
- A copy of a valid government-issued photo identification
The Behavioral Health Council of the Virgin Islands serves as an advisory body to the Department of Health, helping ensure that behavioral health programs, services, and policies are informed by the experiences of the people they are designed to serve. Consumer representatives provide valuable insight that helps guide planning, evaluation, and the continuous improvement of behavioral health services across the Territory.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be an adult resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Be currently receiving or have previously received mental health services or be an adult whose family member has been impacted by behavioral health challenges.
- Be willing to attend Council meetings and actively participate in discussions.
- Be willing to provide feedback regarding behavioral health services, programs, policies, and community needs.
- Be willing to advocate for individuals receiving behavioral health services throughout the Territory.
Applicants are NOT required to hold a professional degree, license, certification, or experience working in the behavioral health field. Rather, the Department is seeking individuals whose lived experiences, unique perspectives, and commitment to improving behavioral health services can help guide meaningful change.
Consumer representatives may review behavioral health plans, provide recommendations on programs and policies, identify service gaps, and participate in initiatives designed to strengthen the behavioral health system across the Territory. Serving on the Council provides members with an opportunity to influence policy, strengthen behavioral health services, and help ensure that future programs reflect the needs and experiences of Virgin Islanders.
“Meaningful change begins by listening,” said Deputy Commissioner for Behavioral Health, Renan Steele. “The Behavioral Health Council of the Virgin Islands is strongest when it reflects the voices of the people we serve. If you have walked the journey, your voice belongs at the table.”
About the Behavioral Health Council of the Virgin Islands
The Behavioral Health Council of the Virgin Islands (BHCVI) serves in an advisory capacity to the Virgin Islands Department of Health, providing guidance and recommendations to strengthen behavioral health services throughout the Territory. By bringing together individuals with lived experience, behavioral health professionals, advocates, family members, caregivers, and community stakeholders, the Council helps improve access to care, identify community priorities, and promote recovery, wellness, and resilience for all Virgin Islanders.
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