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Amazon Dives Deeper into Healthcare, Offering Prime Members Affordable One Medical Access

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In a bold move that underscores its ambitions in the healthcare realm, Amazon.com Inc., renowned for its dominance in e-commerce and cloud services, has now turned its attention to its massive Amazon Prime member base with an innovative healthcare offering.

The company made headlines on Wednesday when it announced its plan to introduce an economically priced annual membership for One Medical, a primary care entity Amazon acquired earlier in the year for a striking $3.9 billion. This development is a strategic step for Amazon, showcasing its long-term commitment to carving out a significant niche in the healthcare industry.

Under this new initiative, Amazon Prime members are presented with the opportunity to sign up for One Medical membership at a cost-effective rate of $9 per month or $99 annually. This is a marked reduction from the standard $199 yearly charge. Neil Lindsay, the Senior Vice President of Amazon’s health services division, indicated that this offering is a part of Amazon’s larger strategy to provide varied routes for customers to obtain primary healthcare services.

One Medical is distinguished for its hybrid approach, offering both virtual and physical healthcare services across the United States. The entity extends various medical services, including diagnostic tests. With the annual fee, members gain certain virtual care services, while additional fees may apply for in-person consultations and other services, which may be covered by insurance or paid out-of-pocket.

Amazon’s increased involvement in healthcare ventures signals a more profound interest in this sector, a focal point for the company for some time now. Its endeavors have spanned from launching pharmacy services to trialing medical-drone deliveries. Yet, it has confronted obstacles in securing a robust position within this complex market. Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, has identified healthcare as a potential growth pillar, complementing its foundational retail and cloud computing enterprises.

Notwithstanding, experts in the field cast attention on the hurdles Amazon may face as it works to establish credibility in the healthcare industry. Lyndean Brick, CEO of the healthcare consultancy Advis, underscored the necessity for Amazon to broaden its provider network and capacity to make a meaningful dent. “They are unproven, and it’s a really hard system to break into,” Brick commented.

The introduction of the One Medical membership at a discounted rate coincides with a period of decelerating growth in Amazon Prime memberships. With a global base of over 200 million Prime users, Amazon has been consistently enriching the Prime service offering while also incrementally adjusting the membership cost upwards.

Despite recent cutbacks in its pharmacy division and the discontinuation of certain health projects, such as the telehealth service Amazon Care, the company maintains a positive outlook on its healthcare endeavors. It has reported significant strides in its pharmacy operations and is in the nascent phases of crafting its healthcare strategy.

Expanding beyond One Medical, Amazon has also widened the scope of Amazon Clinic, its virtual care marketplace, nationwide. In a display of innovation in healthcare logistics, the company has initiated drone delivery of prescriptions in select locales.

As Amazon forges ahead with integrating One Medical’s services and cultivating consumer confidence, the outcome of this initiative may be crucial in determining its position in the healthcare sector. The reduced One Medical membership fee for Prime members is viewed as an essential move in this strategic direction, potentially laying the groundwork for an all-encompassing ‘Amazon Prime Health’ platform in the future.

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Howard University and U.S. Virgin Islands Embark on Pioneering Health Tech Ventures

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In a significant collaborative endeavor, the Howard University College of Pharmacy (HUCOP) and Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s Office of Health Information Technology (OHIT) have unveiled two innovative health technology initiatives: the Public Health Informatics & Technology program for the US Virgin Islands (PHIT4VI), focusing on workforce training, and the Digital Research Initiative.

These initiatives mark a concerted effort to enhance public health informatics, health information, and telehealth services, bridging the gap between academic expertise and governmental action.

Spearheaded by Howard University Provost Anthony Wutoh and Dean Ranti Akiyode of HUCOP, along with Zane Networks LLC, a Washington D.C.-based company specializing in health transformation, these projects have been successfully initiated. Pivotal to their inception are Dr. Mary K. Awuonda, Dr. Pamela Carter-Nolan, and Dr. John Kwagyan, who have worked closely with USVI government agencies and Schneider Regional Medical Center.

OHIT, established in 2021, aims to revolutionize health and wellness in the USVI through cutting-edge health information technology. The two flagship initiatives encompass:

  1. Workforce Training Initiative (PHIT4VI Program): This program is uniquely tailored for the USVI, offering an exchange program for students and professionals from the Virgin Islands to engage in public health informatics and training at Howard University. The program includes elective courses, bootcamps, and workshops. Its inaugural cohort consists of eight individuals delving into public health informatics, health IT systems, and practical training on electronic health record and health information exchange data systems.
  2. Digital Research Initiative: This initiative focuses on collaborative telehealth research. Operated through HUCOP’s Telepharmacy and Population Health Center (HUTEPH) and led by Dr. Mary K. Awuonda, it was launched in April 2023. The initiative aims to establish a telehealth-supported, pharmacist-led care program and to improve the medication management program at the Schneider Regional Medical Center in St. Thomas.

Dean Akiyode emphasized the congruence of these initiatives with HUCOP’s strategic vision and expansion plans in research and training beyond mainland U.S. Michelle Francis, Director of OHIT, shared her excitement about these projects, noting their alignment with Governor Bryan’s vision of an integrated healthcare system. She highlighted the significant impact these efforts will have on health outcomes, workforce development, and the economy in the Virgin Islands.

These partnerships symbolize a long-term strategy to bolster training and research collaborations between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Howard University College of Pharmacy.

For further details on OHIT, please visit www.ohitusvi.com. Howard University, established in 1867, continues to uphold its tradition as a premier research university dedicated to serving the African American community and the broader global populace.

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Innovative Health Staffing Bill Advances for Virgin Islands Schools

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In a crucial step to bolster healthcare in public schools, the Virgin Islands Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services has unanimously approved a significant bill. Bill No. 35-0194, championed by Senator Kenneth Gittens, seeks to appoint school health technicians in every public school, an initiative crucial for the welfare of students. These technicians will effectively fill the roles typically held by school nurses.

Highlighting a critical gap in the current system, Senator Gittens emphasized the challenge in hiring and retaining registered nurses for schools, citing competitive salaries elsewhere as a key factor. This situation has resulted in a significant shortfall in medical care in schools, with students left without basic medical services like medication administration and first aid.

The issue is pressing, as evidenced by nine current vacancies for school nurses across the territory’s two school districts. This challenge was further underscored by recent resignations of school nurses for better-paying opportunities.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion lauded the bill as timely. Commissioner Encarnacion stressed the importance of having certified school health technicians, especially in the absence of registered nurses. The Department of Health, instrumental in drafting Bill No. 35-0194, believes the benefits of this approach are manifold.

Echoing this support, Deputy Commissioner of Education Victor Somme III linked healthcare directly to student success. He pointed out the Department of Education’s struggle to match the salaries offered by hospitals and private medical entities, making it challenging to attract and retain skilled school nurses.

The proposed bill outlines that the Education Commissioner will appoint a qualified school nurse supervisor in each district to oversee the health technicians. These supervisors would be highly qualified professionals – registered nurses, physician’s assistants, or physicians. The health technicians, potentially LPNs, CNAs, or EMTs, will be subject to clearly defined job descriptions and standard operating procedures, including telehealth provisions, all requiring approval from the Health Commissioner.

While the bill received widespread support, legislators raised questions regarding the attraction of qualified candidates, liability issues, and the efficacy of telehealth services. Currently, school nurses earn a starting salary akin to teachers, around $49,000, as per the American Federation of Teachers’ collective bargaining agreement. Deputy Commissioner Somme assured that salary negotiations are underway, with adjustments contingent on government affordability.

With strong committee endorsement, the bill is now poised for deliberation and potential passage by the full legislative body, marking a significant step towards enhancing healthcare in Virgin Islands schools.

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WAPA Chief Criticizes Lawsuit as Hazardous to Utility’s Financial Stability

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Andrew Smith, the CEO of the Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority (WAPA), has recently voiced his concern regarding a class action lawsuit filed against the utility. This lawsuit, centered around allegations of heavy metal contamination in St. Croix’s water system, has been characterized by Smith as an opportunistic move during a challenging period for the community.

Mr. Smith, reaffirming the Authority’s dedication to resolving the water quality issue, expressed his disappointment over the lawsuit’s intent, which he perceives as a financial exploit of St. Croix’s ongoing water situation. He emphasized the Authority’s commitment to the wellbeing of St. Croix’s residents.

The class action, spearheaded by Xiomara Torres and other St. Croix residents, raises serious concerns about the presence of lead and copper in the drinking water, alleging a considerable health threat. The lawsuit, filed by Lee Rohn and Associates, accuses WAPA and Seven Seas Water Solutions USA LLC of negligence and gross negligence.

The situation escalated on October 14, 2023, when WAPA issued a contamination notice. This prompted cautionary advisories from the V.I. Dept. of Health and Governor Albert Bryan Jr., impacting numerous residents with recommendations against water consumption.

In defense of WAPA, Mr. Smith highlighted the utility’s immediate and comprehensive response, including the Clean Water Action initiative, a testament to their commitment to customer safety and transparent communication.

The lawsuit details various alleged shortcomings of WAPA in upkeeping a reliable drinking water system, such as discolored and odorous water and frequent leaks. The plaintiffs are seeking both injunctive and monetary relief for a range of damages, including economic loss, property damage, personal injury, and the establishment of a medical monitoring program.

However, these claims have recently been called into question. Marc Edwards, a water expert from Virginia Tech, has raised doubts about the legitimacy of the toxicity levels reported, pointing to potentially flawed sampling methods. In a reassuring update, Governor Bryan announced new EPA test results indicating that the levels of lead and copper are significantly below actionable standards, with many samples showing no detectable contamination, challenging the initial alarming findings.

Attorney Lee Rohn, representing the plaintiffs, remains hopeful for a favorable outcome that prioritizes the health and safety of St. Croix’s residents. The law firm’s statement underscores their aim to ensure clean drinking water is provided at the expense of the responsible entities, not the taxpayers or ratepayers.

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