U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – This week, in celebration of National Public Health Week, the VI Department of Health (VIDOH) team is focused on making stronger connections to better serve the community. The 2024 theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.”
“Public health extends beyond healthcare,” said VI Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “It’s about clean environments, safe food, and water, and fostering community connections. By uniting to support public health, individuals, families, and the public health field can achieve the shared goal of expanding access and equitable care to all for better health outcomes.”
During National Public Health Week, VIDOH community health workers and chronic disease prevention staff are connecting, through reading, with young children at public schools territory-wide. On Thursday, VIDOH divisions will host a territorywide community engagement event offering free screenings and providing information about available services. Participating divisions include Community Health, Chronic Disease Prevention, Communicable Disease, Maternal, Child Health, Behavioral Health, and Family Planning.
The community is encouraged to attend on Thursday:
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the entrance to the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas.
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the former Dial-Rent-to-Own parking lot at Sunny Isles on St. Croix.
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Morris DeCastro Clinic in Cruz Bay, St. John.
“This National Public Health Week, I also want to take a moment to publicly recognize VIDOH employees for the work they do every day to support the health and well-being of our community,” Commissioner Encarnacion said. “In times of crisis, they are among the first responders, mobilizing to provide critical support to those in need. Beyond the clinics and offices, they are educators, advocates, and innovators. I thank each of them for their commitment to serving the greater good.”
On Friday, April 5, the VI Department of Health offices territory-wide will close for employee appreciation activities. Normal operations will resume on Monday, April 8.
