Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. and Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis join me in welcoming you to the official Website for the Virgin Islands Department of Health (DOH).

The Virgin Islands health care system consists of two semi-autonomous hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, home health care services, hospices, providers, and health educators among others. As a public health department, our goal is to improve the health status of every Virgin Island resident and to ensure access to quality health care. We are responsible for helping each person live a life free from the threat of communicable diseases, tainted food, and dangerous products. To assist in our mission, we regulate health care providers, facilities, and organizations, and manage direct services to patients where appropriate.

The VI Department of Health serves its community as both a local and state health department. It consists of two major divisions – Public Health Services and Health Promotion & Statistics. Unlike other state health departments on the U.S. Mainland the DOH provides health services in its community health centers territory wide. In addition, the department has nine boards that license and regulate health care professionals. We depend on a staff of more than 600 and a budget of more than $71 million to provide needed services to the Virgin Islands community.

Our Public Health Services and Health Promotion & Statistic reach out to many vulnerable residents, including those suffering from HIV/AIDS, mental illness and alcohol and drug dependency. The Government Insurance and Medical Assistance Program assist those who cannot afford to pay for needed medical and prescription services.

DOH is a critical component of the Virgin Islands Emergency Support Function-8. Under ESF-8, DOH directs the provision of health services for the Territory in the event of a natural or manmade disaster such as bioterrorism. This role includes coordinating and managing territorial resources to assist victims affected by a disaster.

Information about our organization, programs and many other services can be found on this Website. I hope you will take the time to familiarize yourself with the numerous activities and accomplishments of the VI Department of Health. 

If you need further assistance, please contact Eunice Bedminster, Public Information Officer at (340)773-131, ext. 3240 or email: eunice.bedminster(at)usvi-doh.org.

Again, thank you for visiting our Website. It is a pleasure to serve you.

Julia Sheen, MPH
Commissioner of Health