U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The VI Department of Health, on Monday, welcomed a high-level delegation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), for a visit focused on strengthening emergency preparedness, healthcare system resilience, and pre-hospital care across the Territory.

“This visit represents an important opportunity to demonstrate how far we have come as a Territory in building a stronger, more resilient public health and healthcare system,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “At the same time, it allows us to have meaningful conversations with our federal partners about the work that remains and the resources needed to continue protecting the people of the Virgin Islands.”

The federal delegation, comprised of eight senior officials, engaged directly with territorial leadership and partner agencies during working sessions held at Schneider Regional Medical Center and the Omar Brown Fire Station. Discussions highlighted the Territory’s progress since Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, while identifying critical areas for continued federal investment and collaboration.

Territorial leadership participating in the discussions included Daryl Jaschen, Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA); Dr. Delphine Olivacce of Schneider Regional Medical Center; Darlene Baptiste, Chief Executive Officer of the Territory’s hospitals; and Avril George, Commissioner of the VI Department of Human Services — reflecting a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to emergency preparedness and healthcare system resilience.

VI Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion leads a working session with delegates from the US Health and Human Services (HHS)/ ASPR, alongside VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, Schneider Hospital’s Vice President for Quality Assurance Dr. Delphine Olivacce (far right) and Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, Chief Medical Officer for VI Department of Health (far left). Avril George, VI Commissioner of Human Services, also joined the working sessions.

Session one focused on public health emergency preparedness and healthcare system resilience, including the Territory’s National Special Pathogen System (NSPS) Level 2 STAND designation — the first of its kind in the Caribbean.

“The NSPS Level 2 STAND designation means the USVI has nationally recognized capabilities to safely detect, isolate, and treat highly infectious diseases, making us a leader in emergency health preparedness in the Caribbean,” said Commissioner Encarnacion.

Officials also reviewed medical countermeasure readiness, pharmacy capabilities, and healthcare system capacity challenges.

These efforts are important step forward in protecting our patients, healthcare workers, and community.

Session two highlighted pre-hospital care coordination and emergency response systems, featuring collaboration among the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS), Health, and VITEMA. Discussions emphasized system modernization efforts, workforce development, and the impact of federal investments, including a newly expanded ambulance fleet.

The visit underscores the longstanding partnership between the U.S. Virgin Islands and HHS/ASPR, and reinforces a shared commitment to advancing regional health security and emergency response capabilities.

“This is about partnership,” Commissioner Encarnacion added. “Our ability to respond to emergencies and protect public health depends on strong coordination at every level, territorial and federal, and we are committed to building on that relationship.”

The visit included an engagement with Governor Albert Bryan Jr., joined by Chief of Staff Kevin Williams and Health and Human Services Policy Advisor Clint Ferris, where discussions centered on strengthening the Territory’s ongoing partnership with the federal government.

“We are grateful for the support the federal government has provided the Virgin Islands over the years, especially during times of disaster,” Governor Bryan said on Monday. “As we continue to strengthen our systems, we look forward to ongoing collaboration that brings federal expertise and training in public health preparedness to support our Territory.”

The HHS/ASPR delegation included John Knox, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Megan Hoffmann, Senior Advisor; Julie Oxner, Director, Office of Legislative Affairs; Jonathan Greene, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Center for Response; Brian Mazanec, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Center for Preparedness; Lisa Dillard, Deputy Director, Strategic National Stockpile; and Regional Emergency Coordinators Stephany Vento and Sandra Carpio.

VIDOH will continue to work closely with its federal partners following the visit to advance priority initiatives and strengthen the Territory’s preparedness posture.

Above: Local officials and the delegation of HHS/ASPR officials meet with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Below: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. speaks with John Knox, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, US HHS, following a briefing at Government House in St. Thomas.