Department of Health to Commemorate National Health Day Observances; 
Clinics to Close Temporarily on Friday

Health Commissioner Julia Sheen announced today that Department of Health clinics territorywide will be closed on Friday, May 7, 2010, for staff to participate in a Walk-a-thon to commemorate Health observances during the month of May.

Commissioner Sheen said she regrets any inconvenience to clients and that normal clinic hours will resume on Monday, May 11, 2010.

“This is an opportunity to thank all of our staff, especially nurses and EMS staff, who work so diligently throughout the year with members of our community,” Sheen said. “It is also a time when we encourage residents to make health their top priority, both mentally and physically, by incorporating exercise into their daily routine and to seek help when they feel overwhelmed.”

In addition to the national observance of Mental Health this month, the Department will also commemorate these weekly observances:

• May 6-12 – Nurses Week
• May 9-15 – Women’s Health Week
• May 16-22 – Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week

During Mental Health Month residents will be able to learn more about mental health issues during an Open House at Department of Health facilities on these dates:

• May 17 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Mental Health Division, Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged on St. Croix
• May 19 – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Charles Harwood Medical Complex on St. Croix 
• May 28 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Eldra Schulterbrandt Long Term Care Facility on St. Thomas 

Residents who need to speak with a mental health service provider can call 773-1311 on St. Croix or 774-4888 on St. Thomas.

Commissioner Sheen said that on Sunday, May 16, 2010, the Department will partner with emergency staff from the public and private sectors during EMS Week for the annual parade of lights on the island of St. Croix. Emergency vehicles from Fire, Police, V.I. Rescue, Port Authority, and HOVENSA, will join EMS vehicles in a parade beginning at 6 p.m. from Plaza Extra East to the Juan F. Luis Hospital. A brief ceremony will follow at the Ambulance Bay at the hospital.

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