Sept. 28, 2004 As part of the V.I. Health Department's agreement with the federal government, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull recently named eight people to the State Incentive Task Force.
Darlene Carty, health commissioner, said the task force will oversee the federal State Incentive Cooperative Agreement grant and come up with ideas for its use.
"This particular grant requires an advocacy council," Carty said. Its focus will be on mental health and substance abuse programs.
The Task Force members are Raymond J. Williams, Pamela Eckstein, Michael Akin, Dr. Celia Victor, Linda K. Walker, Kishma N. Victor, Dr. Rita J. Howard, and Hubert L. Frederick.
Carty said other people might be appointed at a later date. She said those on the task force represent a cross section of the community.
Williams works as chief of staff for Sen. Emmett Hansen II. Eckstein is the director of the V.I. Primary Health Care Office. Akin serves as director of Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands. Celia Victor is director of the Health Department's Mental Health Division. Walker is a registered nurse at Roy L. Schneider Hospital's psychiatric unit. Kisma N. Victor is the Health Department's HIV Prevention Coordinator. Howard is an educator. Frederick is the deputy health commissioner for health promotion and disease prevention.
The grant comes under the umbrella of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Its Center for Substance Abuse Prevention oversees the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Staff from this federal agency will provide technical assistance, consultation and coordination.
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