PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) receives final draft of Sint Maarten’s 10-year mental health vision and strategic plan for 2025 through 2035: “Stronger Minds, Stronger Communities”. The draft vision and accompanying plan outline a shared direction for improving mental health and well-being across Sint Maarten, aiming to build a resilient, inclusive, and person-centered mental health system that ensures timely, affordable, and high-quality support for all residents.
The draft plan was developed under one of the components of the Mental Health Project (MHP), which is funded through the trust fund, and is implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) in close cooperation with the Ministry of VSA and with technical guidance from the Trimbos Institute, a leading Dutch expertise center for mental health and addiction care.
Minister of VSA, Hon. Richinel Brug, expressed his appreciation for the extensive work done by all partners, noting, “This draft vision represents an important milestone. It gives Sint Maarten a clear, inclusive direction for strengthening mental health care over the next decade. I commend the professionals, stakeholders, and community members who contributed to this process. The Ministry will now review the draft to ensure it fully aligns with our national priorities and the needs of our people.”
The Stronger Minds, Stronger Communities draft promotes the understanding that mental health and well-being are part of everyday life, and that seeking help is a sign of strength. It reflects Sint Maarten’s commitment to prevention, early help, and recovery-focused services that make support easier to find and use.
The draft 10-year Strategic Plan was formulated in close collaboration with local professionals and organizations, drawing input from two years of consultations, sounding-board sessions, and a final validation workshop. Participants included the Mental Health Foundation, Turning Point Foundation, White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation, Sint Maarten Medical Center, independent psychologists, general practitioners, Student Support Services Division, SZV, NGOs, community representatives, and persons with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.
NRPB Director Claret Connor remarked: “The vision was shaped by Sint Maarteners themselves — professionals, community members, and people with lived experience who shared their insights and expertise. With VSA’s leadership and Trimbos’ technical guidance under the Mental Health Project, we are now close to completing a document that will guide implementation in the years ahead.”
The draft Strategic Plan is structured around four focus areas:
- Network of Support: linking community help desks, primary care, peer support, and specialist services, while introducing supported housing and reintegration programs.
- Start Well, Stay Well: strengthening prevention and awareness throughout life stages, from schools to workplaces and families.
- Mental Health in All Policies and Sectors: ensuring sound governance, sustainable financing, and updated legislation to protect rights and improve quality of care.
- Learning, Monitoring, and Evaluation: promoting data use, user feedback, and digital tools for continuous improvement.
The Ministry of VSA will review the draft in the coming weeks before finalizing and formally adopting Stronger Minds, Stronger Communities as Sint Maarten’s official mental health vision and strategic plan.
