Interviewees noted that, while some steps can be taken quickly to improve recovery and response efforts, others will take time that extends beyond the coming hurricane season. Working with an estimated budget of $40 million, its services include: Audiology, Emergency, Hemodialysis, Infection & Prevention Control, Laboratory Services, Medical Imaging, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Social Services, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatric Care. Children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities have been particularly affected and face ongoing challenges, including loss of support as family members leave the islands. These partners must work collaboratively to develop and sustain the HIE. They noted that private organizations and volunteers, often coming from the mainland, brought supplies and services into communities, including health care services. VI Equicare is the largest independent Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) in the United States Virgin Islands. Preliminary data also point to growing mental health needs. It is based on public reports and over 30 in-person and phone interviews with residents, local and federal government officials, and providers conducted between February and April 2018. In May 2020, Governor Bryan resubmitted to the 33rd Legislature an amended version of the proposed Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act, which incorporates the product of collaboration and input from those multiple senators who came forward and comments received from the public in town hall meetings. Many of the beaches and the natural beauty remained intact. The health centers and hospitals will be among the providers who will receive these assessments. The Act aligns with the Virgin Islands Behavioral Health Strategic Plan, which calls for the creation of a comprehensive, integrated behavioral healthcare system. Everything looked like ocean, and we knew houses and hotels were supposed to be there. “We run a system – a hospital and clinics. Partners included but were not limited to: Westcare, the VI Law Enforcement Planning Commission, the Judicial Branch, hospitals and health centers, the VI Department of Health, Viequicare, the VI Bureau of Corrections, VI Developmental Disabilities Council, Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, the VI Department of Human Services, the VI Police Department, the VI Department of Labor, Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands and the St. Croix Foundation. Interviewees noted that this arrangement is difficult for children and parents, particularly for parents to accommodate work schedules to the reduced school hours. Business View Magazine is the Caribbean’s best source of news for executives, entrepreneurs, small business owners, franchisers, and anyone else interested in current industry trends and best practices. Filling the need for trusted information on national health issues, the Kaiser Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California. In particular, they noted the importance of both short-term federal funding relief for Medicaid and legislation to address the longer-term issues of the cap on federal funds and lower federal match rate for the territories. The BHD Act clearly defines the role of the Department of Health, Virgin Islands Police Department, the Bureau of Corrections, Department of Human Services and other agencies in their work with persons with behavioral health issues and those who have developmental disabilities. So, the main focus, this year, is getting Phase One completed and then starting towards Phase Two.”, Dr. Georges would also like to see changes in the Authority’s reimbursement structure: “In terms of our recurrent budget, most of that comes from the National Health Insurance, which was created by regulation under the Social Security Act that requires all legal residents to pay into the National Health Insurance system. The existing Virgin Islands EMS delivery system lacks effective coordination and accountability which stands in the way of progress and improved quality of care. The share of uninsured in USVI (30%) was much higher than in Puerto Rico (7%) and the rest of the United States (12%). Specifically, the BHD Act establishes Community Behavioral Health Services to include the following: Crisis Intervention Programs to include Crisis Intervention Teams, Behavioral Health Training and Community Service Networks. In USVI, all electricity customers had their power restored by March 9, 2018,4 and power is generally stable. This information will help develop a Community Health Improvement Plan by justifying how and where resources should be allocated to best meet the Territory’s needs. The Application and Inventory subgroup developed a Provider and Patient Readiness Survey to assess the readiness of VI providers and patients to use telehealth. The purpose of the VI Telehealth Workgroup is to develop a telehealth strategy, to coordinate telehealth activities, to address issues and challenges around telecommunications and interoperability, and to enhance the use of telehealth in the USVI. The link to the full bill is available here: 2020-01.13 Behavioral Health and Development Disability Act 2020. The doors were opened, people were fed. The Governor of Puerto Rico signed an executive order in January 2018 to establish a working group tasked with revising the number of deaths related to Hurricane Maria.25 Additional external work is underway to study Hurricane Maria-related excess mortality in Puerto Rico as well.26. One major challenge facing individuals, however, is that many houses remain damaged and are unlikely to be repaired before the next hurricane season begins. Housing and transportation challenges and the continued instability of power have made it more difficult for individuals to access care and manage their conditions. The resiliency of the BVI is all about our people.” Lettsome was living in a house nestled on the side of a hill with a fabulous view of the sea, when Irma made landfall on the BVI as a Cat. Some providers noted that they are reviewing their budgeting for emergency response and exploring options, such as obtaining mobile units, to expand their capacity to provide services in the community in the aftermath of a disaster. In October 2019, the VI Department of Health initiated this effort with a stakeholders meeting that included representatives from the Territory’s hospitals and health centers, and the University of the Virgin Islands. Once accreditation is obtained, the BVIHSA will be in a better position to attract additional medical tourism services providers. Drawing on interviews with residents and key stakeholders as well as public reports, this brief provides an overview of the status of the recovery efforts six months after the storms, with a focus on the health care systems. On Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, there are day clinics to serve non-emergency medical needs of residents of those islands. Business View Caribbean interviews Natasha Lettsome, BVIHSA Marketing & Communications Manager, as part of our focus on best practices in Caribbean healthcare. These working groups include topics such as environmental health, patient-centered models of care, and data-informed community health. It is important to note that the BHD addresses the needs of children and adults. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy has launched a project to develop an interstate licensure compact for physical therapy. Some were living in their damaged homes, while others had made other living arrangements, typically living with other family members. In December 2019, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. proposed a landmark amendment to the Virgin Islands Medicinal Cannabis Patient Care Act that has the potential to significantly address the looming financial crisis of the Government Employee Retirement System (GERS). Published: Apr 24, 2018. In addition, the Schneider Regional Medical System operated the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center on St. John. The temporary federal funding relief for Medicaid passed by Congress will provide essential support for the territories’ health care system, but the relief funding does not address underlying fiscal problems or the disparity in federal Medicaid match rates and the cap on federal Medicaid funds faced by the territories. The Authority is seeking accreditation through DNV (Det Norske Veritas), but there is much work ahead to get back on track with the process. In the immediate aftermath, the hospital had electricity and some semblance of internet, so residents and stranded tourists could contact their loved ones. They also described profound effects on their mental and emotional health, with many feeling stressed and anxious and having trouble sleeping at night. Pending Obligation of additional items required to complete the THS buildout. The Infrastructure subgroup is assessing telecommunications requirements, broadband mapping and coverage, and 5G, the next generation of cellular technology. Prior to the hurricanes, residents in both territories relied on a system of hospitals and clinics as well as private providers for care.