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

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.