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VI Department of Health, NORC at University of Chicago Commence Maternal and Child Health Survey

US VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Department of Health, today, begun conducting the Maternal and Child Health Jurisdictional Survey to gather essential data on the health and well-being of mothers and children in the territory. The survey, which is a collaboration with NORC at the University of Chicago and its subcontractor Ipsos, aims to provide insights that will inform future healthcare initiatives in the USVI.

“The objective of the survey is to provide a better understanding of the health status of women and children across the USVI,” said Janis Valmond, DrPH, Deputy Commissioner for the VI Department of Health. “The goal of the survey is to gather input from 300 mothers or female caregivers of children aged 0–17. The questions will address the health of both the caregiver and the children. The entire process will take about 30 minutes, and participants will receive a small token of appreciation for their time.”

NORC, the National Opinion Research Center, is a non-partisan research organization known for its expertise in data analysis to support decision-making. Previous iterations of this survey were conducted in 2019 and 2022, providing a foundation for continued improvements in maternal and child health in the territory.

The survey is conducted through in-person interviews and covers a wide range of topics, including general health, healthcare accessibility, child development, chronic illnesses, and household habits. To accommodate participants, the survey is available in both English and Spanish. Fieldwork is scheduled to conclude in February, ensuring timely data collection and analysis.

To achieve accurate and representative results, survey teams use a random-walk method to identify eligible households within selected areas of the territory. Once a household is selected, interviewers screen for eligible respondents and record responses on electronic tablets. The data is securely transmitted to NORC’s central office daily.

Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion highlighted the importance of community participation in the survey, urging eligible households to take part.

“If your household is randomly selected and you have at least one child aged 17 or younger, please help your community by agreeing to participate. This is your chance to share your family’s experiences and perspectives on health. Your input will help the Department of Health develop plans that reflect the needs of our community,” Commissioner Encarnacion said.

The VI Department of Health encourages residents to support this vital initiative, which will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare for mothers and children in the Virgin Islands. The survey is expected to conclude in February.