Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
Public Health Crisis Response Cooperative Agreement - The Virgin Islands Department of Health Group aims to recieve a significant grant of $500,000,000.00 a substantial amount that will greatly bolster public health emergency preparedness activities five years. This funding will support implementing a comprehensive preparedness strategy through the USVI Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program. The program's framework is built upon two fundamental pillars: the National Preparedness and Response Capabilities framework and the CDC's Response Readiness Framework's ten cross-cutting program priorities. These frameworks will serve as the foundation for enhancing the territory's public health system across three critical dimensions: preparedness, response, and recovery capacity. The USVI PHEP program has meticulously developed a strategic approach with a detailed work plan and program logic model to guide activities during this performance period. At the core of this initiative is an all-hazards planning methodology, which will be used to systematically identify and assess territorial risks and develop corresponding response strategies. This comprehensive approach includes integrating and implementing local Medical Countermeasure (MCM) plans, ensuring the territory is well-equipped to address a wide range of public health emergencies. The program has identified several key priority areas that will receive focused attention during this period. These include a strong emphasis on addressing health equity within planning and response efforts, recognizing the critical importance of ensuring that public health emergency services reach all population segments equitably. Additionally, the program will focus on developing and maintaining crucial partnerships with territorial stakeholders, strengthening administrative preparedness capacity, and engaging in workforce development initiatives. These elements have been strategically selected to build a more robust and responsive public health emergency system. To ensure effectiveness and accountability, the USVI program leadership has incorporated robust evaluation mechanisms to measure and assess the impact of implemented strategies. Particular emphasis has been placed on achieving outcomes that demonstrate greater inclusion for local populations that have historically been disproportionately impacted by public health emergencies. This focus on measurable outcomes and equity-centered planning reflects a comprehensive approach to improving public health emergency preparedness in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with the ultimate goal of creating a more resilient and responsive public health system that serves all community members effectively.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).