Health
Health Fair Raises Awareness Among Men on Virgin Gorda
The Office of Gender Affairs hosted a comprehensive health fair on Virgin Gorda to address critical health issues affecting men.
This initiative marked the culmination of Men’s Health Week 2024, celebrated across the Virgin Islands from June 10 to 22 under the theme, “Men’s Health is our Wealth.”
Residents received complimentary screenings for diabetes, HIV, and general health checkups. Additionally, the event provided vital information on mental health topics such as depression and anxiety.
Patricia Hackett, Gender Affairs Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the event. “Hosting the health fair on Virgin Gorda was crucial to create awareness about prevalent health issues affecting men on the sister island,” she said. Hackett noted the event’s role in fostering a healthier and stronger community by offering essential health services and information.
The event saw significant participation from the community, with a notable presence of young men eager to learn about sexual health, HIV/AIDS, and mental health, as well as to undergo general health checkups. “It was gratifying to see men, especially young men, support the event. Participants were keen to learn about health issues and ensure their well-being,” Hackett remarked.
Many attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to take HIV/STI tests, committing to regular health checks. One participant highlighted the importance of knowing one’s health status and advocated for regular health checkups among young men on the sister islands.
The health fair featured booths from six organizations, including the BVI Diabetes Association, Red Cross-VG, MHSD-Public Health, and Five Doctors Medical and Wellness Centre. The Office of Gender Affairs provided information on alcohol use, the impact of health and violence on men’s mental health, and facts and myths about prostate health.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development reiterated its commitment to enhancing the health and social well-being of the Virgin Islands’ residents.
Health
Services to Resume at Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic After Completion of AC Works and Deep Cleaning
The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has confirmed the completion of air-conditioning installation works and a comprehensive cleaning process at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic, clearing the way for healthcare services to return to the facility this week.
The announcement follows a January update in which BVIHSA disclosed that technical challenges had delayed the air-conditioning project beyond its original timeline. At the time, the Authority indicated that once installation was complete, the facility would undergo deep cleaning and an initial air-quality assessment before services could safely resume.
According to Tuesday’s release, those phases have now been successfully finalized.
The Authority said that after completing the installation, the clinic underwent a thorough deep cleaning along with the required air-quality testing to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. With those measures complete, the transition back to the permanent facility will begin on Wednesday, February 18, and is expected to be finalized within three days.
Residents are being advised that there may be brief service interruptions during the relocation process. Pharmacy services in particular could experience temporary delays as equipment and supplies are repositioned and systems are fully restored.
BVIHSA also previously noted that a one-month follow-up air-quality assessment will be conducted after services resume, though this will not impact the reopening or ongoing operations of the clinic.
The reopening marks another step toward stabilizing operations at the Virgin Gorda healthcare facility, which has experienced multiple service disruptions and temporary relocations in recent years due to infrastructure challenges involving air-conditioning and electrical systems. In 2024, services were moved to a temporary location to ensure continuity of care while repairs and assessments were undertaken.
The clinic, officially opened in February 2020 at a cost of approximately $7 million, serves as Virgin Gorda’s primary public healthcare facility and was designed to deliver modern, climate-controlled medical services to residents.
BVIHSA has apologized for any inconvenience caused during the transition period and expressed appreciation to the Virgin Gorda community for its continued patience and cooperation. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and fully operational healthcare environment for residents and visitors alike.
The family of Letisha Romney, 31, is appealing for public support to help cover the cost of a liver transplant after she was diagnosed with liver failure in August and transferred to Puerto Rico for advanced medical care.
Romney, a mother of a 6-year-old son, Jevonni, was first admitted to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital on Aug. 22, before being airlifted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where doctors said a transplant is her only chance of survival.
Her family said the estimated cost of surgery and post-operative care could range from $80,000 to $100,000, including three months of hospital recovery and aftercare in Puerto Rico, frequent follow-up visits there over the next three years, and medication to prevent organ rejection.
“We are rallying around Letisha with love, prayers and support, but the financial burden far exceeds what we can carry alone,” the family said in a public appeal.
They are asking for donations of any amount to help pay for the transplant, travel and accommodation for medical follow-ups, and ongoing treatment. The family also urged the public to share her story to increase awareness and support.
Romney’s relatives said she is a devoted mother and a family-oriented young woman who enjoys cooking, caring for children and spending time with her son. “With your support, we can give her the chance to recover, to watch her son grow and thrive, and to live the life she deserves,” the family said.
Donations will go directly toward Romney’s medical expenses and post-operative care, according to her relatives.
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Recaudación de fondos de Lisa Romney: Help Letisha Receive a Life-Saving Liver Transplant
The BVI Health Services Authority announced that the Outpatient Pharmacy at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital will be closed on Sept. 19 to facilitate a comprehensive stock count.
The closure will last one business day, with normal operations scheduled to resume on Sept. 22, according to Damion Grange, marketing and communications manager at BVIHSA.
BVIHSA officials said the temporary measure is intended to ensure accurate inventory management, which they described as critical to forecasting and maintaining a reliable supply of medications.
“We encourage patients with ongoing or urgent medication needs to plan accordingly and make necessary arrangements in advance,” BVIHSA said in a statement.
The authority apologised for any inconvenience caused by the closure and directed patients seeking additional information to contact the pharmacy team at 284-852-7556/7659 or by WhatsApp at 284-440-1726.
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