U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health is proud to announce that Commissioner Justa Encarnacion has been appointed Vice Chair of the Community Health and Prevention Policy Committee of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) for the 2025–2026 term.
Commissioner Encarnacion expressed her gratitude to ASTHO for the appointment.
“I am truly honored to be selected as Vice Chair of ASTHO’s Community Health and Prevention Policy Committee, and I thank ASTHO for this opportunity,” Commissioner Encarnacion said. “This role allows me to bring the unique perspectives of the Virgin Islands into national conversations on prevention, health equity, and community wellness.
“My goal is to help us strengthen our own programs here at home, ensuring that Virgin Islanders continue to benefit from best practices and policies that improve lives,” Commissioner Encarnacion said.
The one-year term began October 1, 2025, and runs through September 30, 2026. Commissioner Encarnacion will serve alongside committee chair Dr. Lindsay Weaver, Indiana State Health Officer and other state health officials.
The Community Health and Prevention Policy Committee provides policy direction on a wide range of public health priorities, including the prevention of chronic diseases, substance use and overdoses, suicide and violence, firearm-related outcomes, and adverse childhood experiences. The committee also focuses on improving nutrition, physical activity, maternal and child health, mental health, and the broader social environments that promote health and wellness.
This new role marks Commissioner Encarnacion’s second appointment within ASTHO. In 2021, she was elected to serve as Atlantic Territorial Director on ASTHO’s Board of Directors, where she continues to represent the Virgin Islands at the national level.
About ASTHO
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) represents public health agencies across the United States, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. ASTHO supports health officials in advancing health equity, developing public health policy, and building resilient systems that protect and promote the health of over 100 million people.