U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The VI Department of Health is proud to announce territorywide activities and events in celebration of National Public Health Week, April 4 – 13, 2025. This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week.

“Our goal for this National Public Health Week is bringing the community together through various events and activities that promote a healthy and active lifestyle,” said VI Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “The week not only recognizes the incredible efforts of our public health professionals but also empowers individuals to take steps towards their well-being.”

The celebration kicks off with the “Heart 2 Heart Silent Headphone Walk” scheduled for April 4th, on St. Croix, and continues for the next seven days with motorcades, health screening events and outreach to schools and the community. The department will also gather at a church service in each district for a day of gratitude and faith.

Additionally, VI Department of Health’s offices and clinics will close on Monday, April 7th, in St. Thomas, and on Friday, April 11th, on St. Croix – to recognize and celebrate the hard work of the USVI public health workforce.

Commissioner Encarnacion noted that the American Public Health Association 2025 theme, “It Starts Here,” emphasizes the importance of proactively engaging the community to foster a healthier future. The theme also speaks to public health advocacy and the protection of the population’s health.

Nationally, the 2025 National Public Health Week discourse will spotlight the expanding scope of public health that now includes the significant impact of climate change on well-being as well as maintaining a strong focus on ensuring access to care.

“All these efforts work hand in hand with our agenda of creating resilient public health,” Commissioner Encarnacion said.

Deputy Commissioner Janis Valmond, DrPH, who is leading the coordination of these events noted that, “Public Health Week is an essential opportunity for our community to come together and prioritize our collective health. By focusing on prevention and education, and meeting our communities where we live, work, learn, play, and pray, we can make significant strides towards a healthier tomorrow.”

The public is encouraged to participate in the events and to take advantage of the free health services provided.

The Public Health Week celebration is as follows:

NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES

TIME/DATE/ACTIVITY/ LOCATION

ST. CROIX | 6 p.m., Friday, April 4

Heart 2 Heart Silent Headphone Walk, DC Canegata Ballpark

T-shirt distribution begins at 4 p.m.

ST. THOMAS | 9:30 a.m., Sunday, April 6

Church Service

Faith Christian Fellowship Church Alive in Christ

394-394B Annas Retreat, Hidden Valley

ST. THOMAS-ST. JOHN DISTRICT | Monday, April 7

Employee Appreciation Day

VI Department of Health offices and clinics on St. Thomas will be closed.

ST. CROIX | Monday, April 7

Outreach to Government Agencies

TERRITORYWIDE | Tuesday, April 8

School Outreach Activities

ST. CROIX| Wednesday, 9 a.m., April 9

Community Outreach, at The Market and Cost-U-Less supermarkets

TERRITORYWIDE | 4 p.m., April 9

Walk Wednesdays, Territory wide beginning at:

• • Griffith Park, St. Thomas
  • Christiansted Bypass, St. Croix

TERRITORYWIDE | 9 a.m., Thursday, April 10

Public Health Motorcade & Health Screening Event

• • St. Croix – Caribe Home Center to DC Canegata Balllpark
  • St. Thomas – Schneider Regional Medical Center to VIPA, Subbase

ST. CROIX | Friday, April 11

Employee Appreciation Day, St. Croix
VI Department of Health offices and clinics on St. Croix will be closed.

ST. THOMAS | 6 p.m. Friday, April 11

Heart 2 Heart Silent Headphone Walk, Griffith Park
T-shirt distribution begins at 4 p.m.

ST. CROIX | Sunday, April 13

Church Services

• 8 a.m. Service, Victorious Believers Ministries, 15 Peter’s Rest
• 11 a.m. Service, Ebenezer Methodist Church, #195-196 Estate Richmond