U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health is continuing its “Community Wellness Day” initiative aimed at bringing essential health and wellness services directly into housing communities that often experience barriers to accessing care.

Community Wellness Days have been scheduled at two housing communities for the month of February:

• Paul M. Pearson Garden, St. Thomas, on Feb. 11, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion, St. Croix, on Feb. 27, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The initiative kicked off successfully in December at the Harbor View housing community on St. Croix.

“This initiative is about access and trust,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “By bringing services directly into housing communities, we remove common barriers to care and create opportunities for families to engage with health professionals in spaces where they feel comfortable.”

The initiative reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to meeting people where they are by delivering free, family-focused health services in trusted, familiar community settings. Through Community Wellness Day, residents can access preventive screenings, mental health support, and wellness resources without the need for transportation or appointments.

Each event features free glucose and blood pressure screenings, family-friendly activities such as a children’s book-reading corner, and mental health check-ins through the Department’s Zen Van, which offers confidential support and resources in a welcoming environment.

Deputy Commissioner for Behavioral Health, Renan Steele, emphasized the importance of bringing behavioral health services into community spaces.

“Behavioral health is a critical part of overall health, and too often people delay care because of stigma, transportation challenges, or lack of access,” Deputy Commissioner Steele said. “Community Wellness Day allows us to engage residents in a supportive, non-clinical environment where conversations about mental wellness can begin naturally and without barriers.”

The Community Wellness Day initiative is being led by the department’s Behavioral Health Division, with strong collaboration from several other Department divisions, including Maternal and Child Health, Community Health Clinics, WIC, and Family Planning. The effort is further supported by Disability Rights of the Virgin Islands and the Office of the Governor’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, underscoring the importance of prevention, mental wellness, and community stability as interconnected public-health priorities.

The VI Department of Health hopes to expand the initiative and is encouraging other housing communities and community organizations to reach out and partner with the Department to host similar events on their grounds.

“All services provided through Community Wellness Day are free,” Commissioner Encarnacion added. “Our goal is to make health care more accessible, more visible, and more responsive to the needs of our communities.”

For more information about the Community Wellness Day initiative or to inquire about hosting an event, community leaders may contact Tamara Ramos, Territorial Outreach Coordinator, at Tamara.ramos@doh.vi.gov.