PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), together with the NRPB, is working towards reforming how people access appropriate mental health care support in Sint Maarten. Under the Improving Mental Health Services Project, several work areas are moving from assessment and planning to practical testing. These initiatives are being supported by the Trimbos Institute, an independent scientific knowledge institute specializing in mental health and addiction, including gambling, substance use, and prevention.
During the first year of a two-and-a-half-year collaboration, the Trimbos Institute provided technical support in finalizing Sint Maarten's National Strategic Mental Health Plan. The work is now moving further into implementation, with the development and testing of new screening and referral systems aimed at improving access to appropriate mental health care. The project collaborates closely with professionals and organizations in Sint Maarten's mental health and social support systems to ensure the entire sector supports the new systems.
During a recent mission to Sint Maarten, technical experts from the Trimbos Institute worked with local partners to begin a pilot of improved mental health screening and referral protocols. General Practitioners participated in practical training sessions on the protocols ahead of the pilot. The pilot will help identify how to recognize people who need mental health support and connect them with the appropriate service, as well as challenges in the referral process that may need to be addressed.
In addition, the Trimbos Institute team advises on prevention and promotion, child and adolescent mental health, social support, and ways to connect people with appropriate services within the community.
Public Health, Social Development and Labor
The project's approach recognizes that people may need support from different parts of the community and health care system. Engagement under the project therefore extends beyond healthcare providers to government agencies, social services, faith-based organizations and community groups.
The approaches being developed build on Sint Maarten's existing systems and are intended to reflect the culture, identity and realities of the communities they serve.
Prof. Dr. Laura Shields-Zeeman, Head of Mental Health and Prevention at the Trimbos Institute, explained the importance of taking a connected approach to strengthening mental health support.
“Mental health is an ecosystem. Making support easier to access requires healthcare, policy, financing, trained professionals, and communities to work together. The approaches being tested in Sint Maarten are being shaped around the country's own needs and existing systems.”
The Trimbos team that participated in the recent mission also included Sint Maartener Dr. Andrew Gilmoor, Stakeholder Engagement and Research Consultant at the Trimbos Institute. His work focuses on stakeholder engagement and research, helping the project understand how people experience the existing mental health system and ensuring community and professional perspectives inform the approaches being developed and tested.
“I’ve always wanted to be in a place where I can have a great impact in what I do. The ultimate goal is to help our community and help our country. It’s an awesome opportunity to have.”
The Improving Mental Health Services Project is supporting longer-term improvements to mental health services through investments in infrastructure, policy, prevention, professional capacity, and the organization and delivery of care. Work completed or advanced through the project includes the National Strategic Mental Health Plan, as well as assessments and technical work to identify gaps and opportunities within the existing mental health system.
The project is also supporting the development of a new purpose-built facility for the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) at St. John's. The facility will provide an improved environment for delivering mental health services, complementing the wider work underway to strengthen the systems, people, policies, and services needed to improve mental health care in Sint Maarten.
The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) implements the Improving Mental Health Services Project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. The Sint Maarten Trust Fund funds it, financed by the Government of the Netherlands and administered by the World Bank.
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