Department of Health, Community Partners to Assess Progress and Set Priorities at 2026 USVI Cancer Summit
St. Thomas, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health and its partners are entering the next phase of the Territory’s fight against cancer as healthcare leaders from across the districts gather this week to evaluate progress, strengthen partnerships and chart the next year of implementation of the USVI Cancer Plan. Hosted by the Department […]
Epidemiology Division Advances Public Health Through Research and Innovation
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health continues to gain national recognition for advancing public health through innovative research, modern disease surveillance, and data-driven solutions that help protect the health of Virgin Islands residents. Over the past several months, scientists and epidemiologists within the Department’s Epidemiology Division have published multiple peer-reviewed studies in […]
Residents Urged to Protect Their Health During Summer Heat, Sahara Dust, and Hurricane Season
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — As summer temperatures continue to rise, Saharan dust periodically impacts air quality across the Caribbean, and the Atlantic hurricane season remains underway, the Virgin Islands Department of Health is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to protect their health and prepare for the months ahead. “Every summer brings its own health challenges, […]
VI EMS for Children Program Receives National Innovation Award for Pediatric Disaster Initiative
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health’s EMS for Children (ESMC) Program has received the 2026 Innovation Award from the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO), in recognition of its groundbreaking Pediatric Disaster Initiative, a territorywide effort to strengthen preparedness for emergencies involving the youth population. The Virgin Islands was recognized by NASEMSO for […]
Virgin Islands Department of Health Epidemiology Team Earns National Recognition at Public Health Conference
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health’s Epidemiology Division, this month, received national recognition at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), one of the nation’s premier public health conferences. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion congratulated the team on their achievements. “I am extremely proud of the entire […]
Department of Health Offering Behavioral Health Support Following Tragic Loss of Teen to Gun Violence
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, classmates, teachers, and loved ones of Tre’Vante Etienne, as well as all those affected by his tragic death. “This is a profoundly difficult time for our community,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “Our hearts are with Tre’Vante’s […]
Environmental Health Office on St. Thomas to Close Through Wednesday
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health advises the public that the Environmental Health Office on St. Thomas will be temporarily closed through Wednesday, June 10, 2026, while the Department addresses staffing needs within the Environmental Health Division. The Department is working to restore in-person services as quickly as possible and anticipates resuming […]
Virgin Islands Department of Health Launches Gen Z Suicide Prevention Campaign
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health today announced the launch of a comprehensive Gen Z Suicide Prevention Campaign, a targeted, territory-wide effort to address the growing mental health crisis affecting young people ages 14–26 and to equip parents and caregivers with tools to better support them. “We are seeing a growing mental health […]
Virgin Islands Department of Health Reports that Hantavirus Risk to USVI Remains Very Low
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health is informing residents and visitors that there are currently no confirmed cases of hantavirus in the U.S. Virgin Islands and that the risk to the Territory remains very low. The Department continues to monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), federal health […]
Virgin Islands Department of Health Warns of Fraudulent Calls Targeting Licensed Healthcare Providers
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health is alerting licensed healthcare providers and employers across the Territory to a series of fraudulent phone calls in which individuals falsely claim that professional licenses have been suspended, revoked, or are under investigation. Reports, received today, indicate that these calls appear to originate from the Department […]