ST. THOMAS The Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, chaired by Senator Ray Fonseca, convened at the Capitol Building to receive testimony regarding the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence (VIDCOE) and discuss its request for public support. Lawmakers also voted in the affirmative for Bill No. 35-0289, raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 years, and heard updates on the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute (CKCI) from Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC) officials.
In response to the growing demand, particularly among Black Americans disproportionately affected by diabetes and high blood pressure, Senator Fonseca announced that hospitals in the Territory will expand kidney dialysis services. Commissioner of Health, Justa “Tita” Encarnacion, reported a rise in diabetes rates in the USVI, with 16.6% of adults diagnosed in 2023. Prevention remains a priority under the Healthy Virgin Islands 2030 plan, with VIDCOE focused on reducing A1c levels and improving diabetes management through targeted interventions. The Executive Director of VIDCOE, Julia Sheen, stated that the organization implements continuum care strategies to mitigate diabetes. These strategies include optimizing provider and multidisciplinary team interventions, facilitating behavior change in individuals at-risk for or living with diabetes, and improving health systems and infrastructure interventions.
In addition, lawmakers approved Bill No. 35-0289, which aims to curb tobacco use by raising the legal purchasing age. Senator Fonseca emphasized that 90% of smokers begin before age 21, making this legislation crucial for reducing health risks. Commissioner Encarnacion added that the new law will help shift cultural attitudes toward smoking. Duane Howell, Executive Director of Arch, noted that 24 retailers have already violated the Tobacco 21 law, underscoring the need for better enforcement. As of July 2024, the most recent compliance checks identified violations. Howell acknowledged that the bill will further clarify the law.
SRMC CEO, Attorney Tina M. Comissiong, provided an update on CKCI, which will reopen with expanded chemotherapy services for a variety of cancers, including breast, lung, and prostate. The institute will also restore radiation oncology services, which have been unavailable since Hurricanes Irma and Maria. CKCI’s expanded capacity will serve patients from both the Virgin Islands and neighboring Caribbean islands, offering additional infusion therapy and hematology services to meet the increasing demand. Furthermore, when CKCI reopens services tailored for young cancer patients, they will be available through pediatric oncology, in which CKCI will provide maintenance chemotherapy for conditions like leukemia. Comissiong cautioned that SRMC will require financial support for maintaining radiological equipment essential for cancer detection, as well as for staffing key positions at CKCI. The total cost to construct CKCI is over $35 million.
Senators Ray Fonseca, Donna Frett-Gregory, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Diane T. Capehart, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Marvin A. Blyden attended the meeting.
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Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan
Email: aharrigan@legvi.org
