ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, chaired by Senator Ray Fonseca, convened at the Capitol Building to receive an operational update from several government agencies, including the Department of Human Services (DHS), which outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare access, modernize systems, and improve services across the Territory. 

Senator Fonseca stated that the work being undertaken by the Department of Human Services reflects a critical investment in the health and well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands. Efforts to modernize healthcare systems, strengthen long-term care, and improve access to essential services are essential to ensuring that every resident receives quality care and support. The Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services remains committed to advancing policies that build a stronger, more responsive healthcare infrastructure for the Territory.

Averil George, Commissioner at the Department of Human Services Commissioner testified that DHS is advancing a comprehensive strategy to modernize healthcare access, strengthen long-term care capacity, and improve quality of life for residents across the Virgin Islands. Central to this effort is the modernization of the Medicaid Assistance Program (MAP), which serves approximately 18,729 residents. DHS has undertaken a full consolidation and gap analysis of the Territory’s Medicaid State Plan to unify decades of amendments, strengthen federal compliance, and improve transparency. Recent policy advancements include a federally approved amendment to enhance reimbursement for interventional cardiology services, aimed at increasing provider participation and expanding access to life-saving care on-island. In parallel, the Department is addressing the critical issue of hospital boarders by expanding long-term care capacity, stabilizing staffing, and advancing redevelopment of the Queen Louise and Herbert Grigg Homes for the Aged into modern, CMS-certifiable facilities. These efforts are designed to reduce strain on hospitals, improve patient placement, and ensure sustainable, high-quality care for the Territory’s most vulnerable populations. 

Complementing these healthcare initiatives, DHS is making significant investments in infrastructure, early childhood development, and family support systems. Through $42 million in federal funding, the Department is rebuilding six Head Start facilities to modern, resilient standards, while pursuing additional energy resilience improvements through solar and battery backup initiatives. The Office of Childcare and Regulatory Services continue to support 727 children and 602 families through childcare subsidies, while advancing workforce development and quality improvement programs for providers. Despite temporary enrollment impacts due to staffing shortages, DHS remains committed to restoring full Head Start capacity and expanding services for children with special needs. Additionally, the Department is progressing with the full redevelopment of the Knud Hansen Complex into a modern, centralized hub for human services and public health operations, replacing outdated infrastructure and improving service delivery across the Territory. Collectively, these initiatives reflect a deliberate investment in resilient systems, stronger families, and a more sustainable future for the Virgin Islands.

Separately, policymakers received an update from executive leadership of the Juan F. Luis Hospital and the Schneider Regional Medical Center, outlining the status of key operations and institutional performance.

Jerry R. Smith, Chairman of the Virgin Islands Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation, clarified that the effort involving Schneider Regional Medical Center and the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital is not a merger but a strategic health system integration, with both facilities remaining separately licensed under the same territorial entity. The initiative aims to reduce inefficiencies through a shared services model that aligns leadership, operations, and financial systems. Darryl Smalls, Executive Director of the Territorial Hospital Redevelopment Team, reported ongoing progress in the redevelopment of healthcare facilities across the Territory, while noting challenges including rising costs, workforce shortages, and logistical constraints. Darlene Baptiste, Chief Executive Officer of both hospitals, testified that integration is in advanced stages with early cost savings and operational improvements, though challenges remain in staffing, patient flow, and financial performance. Officials emphasized that continued system-wide improvements are focused on strengthening efficiency, stabilizing operations, and ensuring sustainable, high-quality healthcare delivery across the Virgin Islands.

Senators in attendance included Ray Fonseca, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Milton E. Potter, Kenneth L. Gittens, Alma Francis Heyliger, Marvin A. Blyden, Marise C. James, Hubert L. Frederick, Carla J. Joseph, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., and Kurt A. Vialet.

The Division of Public Affairs remains committed to keeping the public informed on legislative proceedings and health-related developments. For more information, visit legvi.org.

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Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan

Email: aharrigan@legvi.org