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Virgin Islands Government Advocates for National Emergency Declaration Amid St. Croix Water Crisis

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Following the detection of increased levels of lead and copper in St. Croix’s water sources, the Virgin Islands Government is diligently coordinating with federal agencies to advocate for a national emergency declaration by President Biden. Such a declaration could significantly bolster testing measures, provide valuable technical support, and deliver immediate aid to the island’s residents, especially targeting the most vulnerable segments of the population.

On a recent Thursday, the USVI Joint Information Center divulged the findings of an exhaustive reevaluation performed across various locations within the Water and Power Authority’s (WAPA) potable water distribution network. These locations had earlier indicated heightened levels of lead and copper. The latest examination reaffirms that the concentrations of these pollutants exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) established action level of 15 parts per billion. Given this revelation, the Unified Incident Command is cautioning St. Croix’s residents against the consumption or use of the water for drinking purposes. However, according to EPA guidelines, activities like bathing, toilet flushing, laundering, and cleaning remain safe for residents.

The quest to ascertain the primary source and full scope of the contamination continues, as stated by the Government House. Both the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and WAPA have found that waterline flushing markedly lowers the levels of lead and copper, frequently to undetectable amounts or below the action threshold. Consequently, WAPA is implementing a broad-ranging flushing initiative, according to a press release.

The preliminary discoveries stemmed from evaluations carried out on September 28 and 29, which were part of a joint inquiry involving WAPA, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), and the EPA, aimed at identifying the cause of the water discoloration issue.

Follow-up testing focused on certain public facilities in the previously identified areas, such as the St. Croix Educational Complex, John H. Woodson Junior High School, Alfredo Andrews Elementary School, and the Mount Pleasant Housing Community. Water samples from these locations displayed either undetectable or below threshold levels of 15 parts per billion, as reported by the Government House.

To address health inquiries concerning lead in drinking water and its testing, the Department of Health has launched two hotline numbers, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, reachable at 340-712-6299 or 340-776-1519. Furthermore, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources has inaugurated a hotline at 340-514-3666, available during similar hours.

The Department of Health has also notified the public about the availability of lead exposure tests at the Clinical Laboratory Inc., situated at the Sunny Isle Medical Center on St. Croix, and at the St. Thomas East End Medical Center at Tutu Park Mall on St. Thomas.

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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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