Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
Virgin Islands Department of Health Hospital Preparedness Program - The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) healthcare system, despite its unique challenges as a self-governing territory with limited resources, stands as a beacon of resilience. With approximately 82,000 residents dispersed across the four main inhabited islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas (the Capital), St. John, and Water Island, the USVI's healthcare system not only provides vital services but also symbolizes the community's strength. However, the system does face significant strains due to limited resources and geographic dispersion. The USVI Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) is our beacon of hope, fortifying the territory's ability to respond effectively to emergencies and medical surges. Under the auspices of the Office of Insular Affairs, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) plays a pivotal role in addressing the public health needs of the territory. This responsibility encompasses the management of a diverse range of healthcare facilities, including governmental hospitals, federally qualified health centers, VA clinics, and privately owned and operated facilities such as dialysis centers. These institutions are lifelines for residents, providing essential medical services and care. Notably, VIDOH operates public health clinics across the territory, which serve as vital access points for individuals with limited economic resources, ensuring that healthcare remains within reach for all segments of the population. At the heart of the healthcare sector's resilience-building efforts is the USVI HPP program, the primary source of federal funding for healthcare readiness initiatives. Operating within a comprehensive framework, the program hones in on various aspects of preparedness and response planning. This includes the establishment of a robust healthcare coalition (HCC), the creation of governance structures, and the conduct of assessments to identify vulnerabilities and resources. Moreover, the HPP invests in training initiatives to enhance crisis and emergency risk communication, address climate-related emergencies, and integrate medical surge planning into the broader emergency response framework. Over a five-year project period, the USVI HPP program adopts a strategic approach, focusing on specific capabilities each year. This method culminates in readiness exercises that showcase the healthcare system's preparedness. Collaboration is a fundamental principle of the program, evident in the partnerships forged with diverse stakeholders, including other healthcare entities, non-profit organizations, and the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program overseen by VIDOH's EMS division. These collaborations foster a dynamic exchange of ideas, ensuring that the preparedness, response, and recovery efforts are comprehensive and inclusive. While the VI HPP application currently does not include sub recipients, efforts persist in establishing the VI Healthcare Coalition (VI HCC) as a separate entity capable of receiving funds. This underscores the program's unwavering commitment to fostering sustainability and inclusivity within the healthcare ecosystem. By addressing gaps in healthcare resilience and leveraging the collective expertise of stakeholders, the USVI HPP program endeavors to strengthen the territory's healthcare system, ensuring that it remains a steadfast pillar of support for the community, even in the face of adversity, providing a sense of security and long-term planning.
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).