NEW SPECIAL SERIES: GIVING BACK
| |
|
JANUARY - MARCH 2024 | VI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | |
|
Warm Greetings,
In 2024 we continue the transformation of the VI Department of Health, aligning our strategic goals and objectives with a resilient workforce. Our commitment to expanding access to health care, to reducing health risks, and to rebuilding the public health infrastructure remains steadfast.
This year we anticipate reaching several notable milestones. The Chronic Disease Division is poised to finalize the inaugural US Virgin Islands Cancer Care Plan, while potentially establishing the first USVI Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes Registry. The Behavioral Health Division is committed to making substantial progress in the full implementation of the 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline in the USVI. The Project Management Office is on track to complete renovations at the WIC Building at Frederiksted and advance the redesign efforts for the Knud Hansen Tower and John Moorhead Complex and other VIDOH facilities.
These initiatives represent just a glimpse of the multifaceted projects underway at the VI Department of Health this year. I am deeply encouraged by the prospects that lie ahead and I look forward to our team, collectively, successfully meeting our goals.
| |
|
Justa E. "Tita" Encarnacion
VI Health Commissioner
|
|
VIDOH to Hold Mega USVI Wellness Fair in June | |
|
The VI Department of Health is gearing for the USVI Wellness Fair, a territorywide event to provide no-cost dental, optometry, pediatric physicals and vaccinations and more to the general public.
The USVI Wellness Fair is set for June 1-9, 2024, at the Educational Complex on St. Croix, the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas and at the Maternal Child Health clinics on all three islands.
The event is being supported by the Department of Defense's Innovative Readiness Training Program (IRT) and in partnerships with several government agencies and community organizations.
In March, the IRT team held its final planning conference and site visit to the USVI to solidify plans for June's event.
| |
USVI Undergrads Offered Unique Research Opportunity
| |
|
The USVI suffers some of the worst rates of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in the United States. With more than 40 percent of healthcare positions vacant, the Territory also experiences significant health care workforce shortages.
To help address these issues, the VI Department of Health has joined forces with the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine to create the Cardiovascular Research Empowerment Workforce (CREW) initiative.
CREW offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate pre-med students, born or raised in the US Virgin Islands, for an immersive research training at the Miller School of Medicine campus and with the VI Department of Health.
The program was made possible through a National Institute of Health grant that is available through 2028. The first cohort of students will begin in June of 2024.
Learn more at Cardiovascular Research Empowerment Workforce Miller School of Medicine (miami.edu)
| |
Vital Records and Statistics Going Digital in 2024
The Vital Records and Statistics (VRS) Office is making significant strides toward full digitization in 2024 with the integration of a live birth module. This module enables VI hospitals to seamlessly share new birth information electronically and also facilitates:
- Direct, automated reporting to the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS).
- Direct access to reports for various entities, including the VI Department of Justice’s Paternity and Child Support Division, GERS, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Board of Elections, Social Security Administration, the VI Department of Human Services, and the VI Department of Health’s Maternal Child Health, Infant and Toddlers, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) divisions.
- Direct access for non-government organizations such as KIDS Count.
The birth module represents one of six major components of the Vital Records Information Management System, all set to be automated by March 2024.
| |
|
Disparities Program Certifies New Cohort
in Community Health Worker Program
| |
The Health Disparities Program certified its second cohort of individuals as Community Health Workers in a special ceremony on St. Croix. Community health workers assist individuals in getting access to the healthcare services they need. They also coach clients to make healthy choices in daily life. Additionally, they advocate for the proper care of their clients and encourage their clients to advocate for themselves. |
|
|
As part of its 50th Anniversary celebration, the USDA Food and Nutrition Services, Regional Administrator Lisbeth Silbermann, recently recognized three Virgin Islands Department of Health Virgin Islands WIC Program employees for more than 40 years each of helping USVI families thrive.
The VI Department of Health adds its heartfelt gratitude to WIC Director Lorna Concepcion, Shawn Canegata, and Linora Perez for 40-plus years each of exemplary service and contributions to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Children (WIC). Their commitment to improving the nutritional health of pregnant women, new mothers and children through WIC has assisted generations of families in the US Virgin Islands in accessing nutritious food and vital services to support their health and well-being.
| |
Epidemiology Division Reaches
Pediatric Lead Screening Milestone
| |
|
The Epidemiology Division, with support from the Laboratory and Communicable Disease divisions and the Community Health Clinic, reached a significant milestone in pediatric lead screening, testing a total of 1,968 individuals. The department now has a working baseline on whether lead is impacting the health of USVI residents.
The lead screening effort was in response to the local State of Emergency declared on Oct. 31st, to address possible lead and copper contamination in the potable water system. VIDOH responded quickly to test the most vulnerable population, children ages zero to six-years-old. Children under the age of six are still developing rapidly, and lead exposure can adversely affect their brain, nervous system, growth, development, and overall behavior.
A total of 1,270 individuals were tested in the St. Croix District and 698 individuals were tested in the St. Thomas-St. John District. The lead screening results aligned with water sampling which demonstrated minimal lead in the potable water system.
| | |
Phase 1 of the Frederiksted WIC
Building Renovations Complete
| |
VIDOH's Project Management Office (PMO) is happy to announce the completion of Phase 1 renovation of the Women Infant and Children (WIC) building at Frederiksted. The newly renovated interior includes a new administrative space, teaching kitchen and training area, and breastfeeding room. The exterior renovations included painting, refurbishing the brick work at the entry way as well as the courtyard which includes a play area for young children.
The PMO is now focused on completing Phase II which addresses hazard mitigation and hardening the facility.
USDA Food and Nutrition Services Regional Administrator Lizbeth Silbermann recently toured the Frederiksted WIC building. Renovations were made possible through a $6.3 million USDA grant.
|
| |
Visioning Meeting Held for Knud Hansen
Tower and Moorehead Complex
| |
On March 18th, VIDOH's Project Management Office held its first visioning and programming session with key stakeholders to discuss space concepts for the redesign of the Knud Hansen Tower and John Moorhead Complex at Hospital Ground in St. Thomas. The compound is shared with the VI Department of Human Services which is working collaboratively with Health to develop the most efficient use of the space.
The visioning and programming session is helping to set the groundwork for design development and allows stakeholders to share their overarching goal for the facilities.
For more information about VIDOH's capital projects visit Capital Projects Archive - VI Department of Health.
|
|
|
NEW! SPECIAL SERIES
GIVING BACK
| |
|
Empowering Our Girls:
Building Confidence and Leadership through Soccer
Attorney Mackiesh Taylor-Jones serves as Chief Legal Counsel for the VI Department of Health.
| |
From a young age, Mackiesh, naturally athletically talented and competitive, excelled in sports — soccer, basketball and especially her first love, track.
“I dedicated my entire life to track,” Mackiesh says.
She received numerous accolades, but it was soccer that changed her life.
“I believe my most significant achievement was receiving a scholarship that allowed me to pursue soccer while also obtaining a free education,” Mackiesh says.
In 2012, upon graduation from Seton Hill University, Mackiesh was asked to coach girls' soccer as an assistant coach for the U-17 USVI National Team. Today, she still plays for the USVI Senior Women’s National Team.
|  | |
Returning home to St. Croix, Mackiesh noticed a lack of engagement in girls' soccer within the community. She knew she could make a difference.
“Recognizing this need, my friend Zauditu and I decided to revive women's soccer to its former glory,” she says. “That led to the establishment of Lady Rovers in 2022.”
Today, the program boasts over 50 registered girls and women, giving Mackiesh the unique opportunity to help shape young minds.
|
|
|
“I want to positively influence these girls and instill important values such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship,” Mackiesh says. “Playing sports can boost girls' self-confidence and self-esteem and teaches them important skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.”
Mackiesh plans to continue building the Lady Rovers organization, providing a pathway for young girls to navigate their own journeys to success.
“I coach because I love the game. I am passionate about soccer and enjoy sharing my enthusiasm and knowledge with others, particularly with players who are eager to learn and improve,” Mackiesh says. “Ultimately, seeing my players achieve their goals and reach their potential will be immensely rewarding as a coach.”
For more information about Lady Rovers, visit Facebook.com/LadyRoversstx.
| |
Upcoming Observances & Events
| |
|
APRIL
National Infant Immunization Week, April 22 - 29
World Immunization Week, April 24 - 30
MAY
Mental Health Awareness Month
Women's Health Month
Older Americans Month
Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, May 5-11
National Nurse's Week, May 6-12
"One Love, One Heart, One Community," VA Mental Health Summit
May 7, 2024, UVI, St. Thomas
JUNE
Men's Health Month
Pride Month
2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins, June 1
USVI Wellness Fair, June 1-9, 2024, (STX, STT, STJ)
| | |
|
USVI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
#4006 Estate Diamond Ruby, St. Croix| 340-718-1311
Schneider Regional Medical Center, St. Thomas| 340-774-7477
| |
|
Our Mission: "To Reduce Health Risks, Increase Access to Quality
Healthcare and Enforce Health Standards"
Share your division's story and feedback and send updates and information about upcoming events to Christine Lett, Director of Communications, at christine.lett@vidoh.vi.gov .
| | | | |
