Following a full-scale review of the national health system, conducted over several months and supported by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the government identified mental health as one of the most critical areas in need of urgent reform.

Minister Jn Baptiste acknowledged that the current framework for mental health care is fragmented and lacks proper coordination across agencies and levels of care, which has negatively affected diagnosis, treatment, and patient rehabilitation.

“The insufficient coordination between the relevant agencies and institutions has severely limited the capacity for diagnosis and management of mental health conditions. Additionally, this limits the efficacy of treatment and rehabilitation of patients.”

To address these systemic gaps, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a brand-new role, the Director of Mental Health Services, marking a historic move toward structured and accountable mental healthcare delivery. The director will work under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer and will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: developing a strategic plan to integrate mental health and substance use services across all levels of care and updating the national mental health policy and legislation.

The scope of the reform also includes enhancing services through the school health desk, promoting healthy homes and communities, and ensuring the cultural sensitivity of mental health messaging to meet the needs of diverse population groups.

Minister Jn Baptiste emphasised the importance of the new position and policy in breaking the stigma around mental health: “We know that access to mental health services has always existed in Saint Lucia, but stigma remains a major obstacle. This shift is meant to reassure citizens and create an environment where they feel empowered to seek help.”

He urged Saint Lucians not to delay in seeking assistance, especially as untreated mental health conditions can worsen over time. “It’s okay to speak about your feelings, your challenges. Mental wellness is linked to every aspect of life, including how we manage non-communicable diseases,” he noted.

This latest initiative reflects the government’s intention to ensure mental health care becomes a well-resourced, normalised, and fully integrated component of Saint Lucia’s overall public health framework.