For Immediate Release                                            Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan

April 15, 2025                                                            Email: aharrigan@legvi.org

LAWMAKERS UPDATED ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DIABETES CENTER OF EXCELLENCE, HELD THREE BILLS IN COMMITTEE

ST. THOMAS, USVI — The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., convened at the Capitol Building to receive an update from the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence (VIDCOE) on its operations, accomplishments, and funding needs. Separately, lawmakers voted to hold in committee, a series of legislative measures, including a lease agreement, property tax offsets for property owners, and an increase to the maximum judgment award for damages against the Government of the Virgin Islands. 

Senator Novelle Francis stated that it’s all about paying it forward and commended the work of VIDCOE. He emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that serve the uninsured and underinsured, noting that uncompensated care for chronic illnesses, gunshot wounds, and medical emergencies continues to rise, making programs like VIDCOE critical to addressing those needs.

This statement followed an update by Dr. Julia Sheen, DrPH, MPH, Executive Director of VIDCOE, who testified that since receiving ARPA funding, the center has served over 2,300 diabetes patients through education, outreach, and mobile health services, with a strong focus on underserved communities and pediatric care. Furthermore, the center has implemented monthly outreach, mobile screenings, and launched a new mobile unit and ADA-compliant van to improve accessibility, particularly for underserved communities. With most patients experiencing co-existing conditions such as high blood pressure and obesity, VIDCOE has focused on integrated care, including serving children with Type 1 diabetes—a first in decades. They are now partnering with the Department of Education for a Childhood Diabetes Prevention Program, targeting 4th and 5th graders with screenings and education on healthy lifestyle choices.

In addition, VIDCOE has formed partnerships with Howard University and Freestyle Libre to provide free continuous glucose monitors to patients, supporting long-term care management. The organization has also increased community engagement through over 50 outreach events, CDC-approved diabetes prevention programs, cooking classes, and grocery store walk-throughs. Their remote patient monitoring initiative has shown measurable improvements, with 80% of patients reducing their A1C levels. VIDCOE also held a successful health fair offering eye exams, revealing critical cases of diabetic retinopathy, further emphasizing the life-saving importance of their services and outreach. Dr. Sheen cautioned lawmakers that continued patient care hinges on securing additional funding, specifically $1.5 million.

During the meeting, lawmakers voted to hold in committee the following measures:

• Bill No. 36-0062 An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for a portion of the telecommunications tower located on Parcel R-22 of Tract I Estate Nazareth, No. 1 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas. Sponsored by Senator Milton E. Potter By Request of the Governor
• Bill No. 36-0008 An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 2, chapter 89, subchapter I, section 2494 requiring the Lieutenant Governor to offset a property owner’s

            property tax liability against any amount of money that the Government of the Virgin 

            Islands owes to the property owner. Sponsored by Senator Milton E. Potter 

• Bill No. 36-0042 An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code subtitle 3, chapter 118, section 3411 to increase the maximum judgement amount for the award of damages against the Government of the Virgin Islands. Sponsored by Senator Alma Francis Heyliger

Senators present at the Committee meeting were Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Milton E. Potter, Kenneth L. Gittens, Alma Francis Heyliger, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Marvin A. Blyden, Ray Fonseca, Franklin Johnson, Hubert L. Frederick, Marise C. James, Carla J. Joseph, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Avery L. Lewis, and Kurt A. Vialet. 

The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Visit legvi.org. 

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