Virgin Islands Department of Health

Virgin Islands Department of Health The USVI Department of Health is both the state regulatory agency and the public health agency. Virgin Islands.
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The Department of Health functions as both the state regulatory agency and the territorial public health agency for the U.S. As set forth by the Virgin Islands Code, Titles 3 and 19, the Department of Health (DOH) has direct responsibility for conducting programs of preventive medicine, including special programs in Maternal and Child Health, Family Planning, Environmental Sanitation, Mental Health, and Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention. DOH also is responsible for health promotion and protection, regulation of health care providers and facilities, and policy development and planning, as well as maintaining the vital statistics for the population. DOH provides Emergency Medical Services, issues birth and death certificates, performs environmental health services, and conducts health research and surveys. The Department is also responsible for regulating and licensing health care providers and facilities, and assumes primary responsibility for the health of the community in the event of a disaster.

Today, the VI Department of Health’s St. Thomas team joined the Office of Senator Dwayne DeGraff and community members w...
09/03/2026

Today, the VI Department of Health’s St. Thomas team joined the Office of Senator Dwayne DeGraff and community members with the Savan Community Clean-Up project.

Keeping our neighborhoods clean and safe is an important part of protecting public health.

Thank you Senator DeGraff for inviting us and to everyone who came out to lend a hand in making Savan shine a little brighter today.💚

09/03/2026

Monday check-in: How are you really doing?
Take a moment to breathe and reset for the week ahead.
If you need someone to talk to, 988 is available 24/7. You’re never alone.

🌺 Women’s History Month | Virgin Islands Women in Public HealthToday we honor Bertha C. Boschulte, a pioneering Virgin I...
08/03/2026

🌺 Women’s History Month | Virgin Islands Women in Public Health

Today we honor Bertha C. Boschulte, a pioneering Virgin Islander whose work in public health, education, and women’s rights helped strengthen our community for generations.

She was one of the earliest true public health administrators in Virgin Islands history because of her work with vital statistics and health data systems.

After earning a Master of Public Health, Boschulte joined the Virgin Islands Department of Health and quickly became a leader in the field of health data and public health administration. In 1952, she was appointed Director of the Statistical Service, and later became the first Director of the Division of Vital Records and Statistical Services, helping build systems that tracked births, deaths, and health trends across the territory—information that remains essential for protecting public health today.

From 1955 to 1957, Boschulte served as General Services Director of the Department of Health, helping guide the administration and operations of the territory’s public health system.

Before entering public health leadership, Boschulte had already built a distinguished career as an educator and advocate. She served as a teacher, principal of Charlotte Amalie High School, and a champion for women’s rights—working alongside other Virgin Islands women to secure the right for women to vote in the territory.

Her service to the Virgin Islands continued throughout her life. In 1964, she was elected to the Virgin Islands Legislature, later served on the Commission on the Status of Women, and became Chair of the Virgin Islands Board of Education.

Today, the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School stands as a lasting tribute to her leadership and commitment to education, public service, and community progress.

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate Bertha C. Boschulte and the many Virgin Islands women whose leadership has helped build healthier, stronger communities.





Happy International Women's Day! Virgin Islands women have always been the heartbeat of our community — healing, leadin...
08/03/2026

Happy International Women's Day! Virgin Islands women have always been the heartbeat of our community — healing, leading, and shaping the future of our islands. 💜

Today we celebrate the strength, resilience, and legacy of women across the U.S. Virgin Islands who have helped shape our communities and care for generations.

From pioneering caregivers like Myrah Keating Smith, who served as the primary healthcare provider on St. John for many years, to trailblazing leaders like Dr. Cora Christian and Dr. Donna M. Christian Christensen, women of the Virgin Islands have always been at the heart of service, healing, and leadership.

On International Women's Day, the Virgin Islands Department of Health proudly celebrates the incredible women who serve our community every day — from nurses, physicians, and environmental health specialists to laboratorians, community health workers, administrators, and program leaders working across our islands.

This year’s global theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” reminds us that when women are supported and empowered, families grow stronger, communities thrive, and our islands move forward together.

Today we celebrate you. Today we thank you. And every day we honor the impact Virgin Islands women make in our communities.

Tag a Virgin Islands woman who inspires you and helps make our community stronger. 💜







07/03/2026

It's okay to step away for a moment.

Pause your scrolling, take a deep breath, and let your mind slow down.

05/03/2026

Cancer prevention can start in childhood.

The HPV vaccine helps protect children from several cancers later in life.

The Virgin Islands Department of Health is proud to share a new video from our “Stop Cancer Before It Starts” campaign, developed by the Chronic Diseases &Prevention Division in partnership with the Immunization Program.

Vaccinating at the recommended age gives children strong protection long before they are ever exposed to the virus.

Watch the video to learn why this vaccine matters — and talk with your child’s healthcare provider about getting them vaccinated.




🌺USVI Women in Public Health HistoryBefore St. John had paved roads, electricity, or a hospital, one nurse traveled by b...
05/03/2026

🌺USVI Women in Public Health History

Before St. John had paved roads, electricity, or a hospital, one nurse traveled by boat, horse, and foot to care for the island’s residents.

Today we honor Myrah Keating Smith (1908–1994), a pioneering nurse and midwife whose dedication helped shape healthcare on the island of St. John.

Born on St. Thomas in 1908 and raised on Lovango Cay, 1 mile northwest of St. John, Smith pursued her education at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, where she studied nursing and midwifery. After completing her training, she returned home in 1931 to serve the people of the Virgin Islands.

For nearly two decades, she was the only healthcare provider on St. John. At a time when the island had no paved roads, electricity, or public transportation, Smith traveled by boat, horse, and foot to care for residents across the island. As a public health nurse, school nurse, and midwife, she delivered more than 500 babies during her remarkable career.

In recognition of her extraordinary service, the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center on St. John was named in her honor in 1983. She was later inducted into the Virgin Islands Women’s Hall of Fame in 2005.

Her life stands as a powerful example of compassion, resilience, and dedication to community health.

Honoring the women who shaped public health in the Virgin Islands.

🚨 Operation Guardian Angels Underway in the USVI 🚨The Virgin Islands Department of Health, through its Emergency Medical...
05/03/2026

🚨 Operation Guardian Angels Underway in the USVI 🚨

The Virgin Islands Department of Health, through its Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program and Division of Public Health Preparedness, is conducting "Operation Guardian Angels," a pediatric emergency disaster preparedness exercise designed to strengthen how our territory responds to emergencies involving children.

Healthcare providers, emergency responders, and public health partners are working together to practice coordination, communication, and patient care during disaster scenarios affecting children and families.

These exercises help ensure that the Virgin Islands is prepared to protect and care for our youngest and most vulnerable residents during emergencies.

🌺Notice: Maternal & Child Health Clinic Temporary Closures for TrainingThe VI Department of Health advises the public th...
04/03/2026

🌺Notice: Maternal & Child Health Clinic Temporary Closures for Training

The VI Department of Health advises the public that the Maternal & Child Health (MCH) Clinics will be temporarily closed to allow staff to participate in a Children’s Disaster Preparedness Tabletop Exercise designed to strengthen emergency response for pediatric emergencies.

Clinic Closures:
📍 St. Thomas: Thursday, March 5, 2026
📍 St. Croix: Friday, March 6, 2026

Reopening:
• St. Thomas: Friday, March 6
• St. Croix: Monday, March 8

The exercise is being led by the Department’s Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program to strengthen preparedness and coordinated response during disasters.

We thank the community for its understanding as we continue working to protect the health and safety of our children and families.

USVI Women in Public Health HistoryToday we recognize Dr. Cora LeEthel Christian, the first Virgin Islands–born woman to...
04/03/2026

USVI Women in Public Health History

Today we recognize Dr. Cora LeEthel Christian, the first Virgin Islands–born woman to become a physician.

A native of St. Thomas, Dr. Christian made history in 1971 when she earned her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College. She later completed her residency at Howard University and earned a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.

Returning home to serve her community, Dr. Christian dedicated her career to improving healthcare across the Virgin Islands. She practiced medicine on St. Croix, served for many years as Assistant Commissioner of Health, and founded the Virgin Islands Medical Institute to help strengthen healthcare quality throughout the territory.

Through decades of service, Dr. Christian has helped shape modern healthcare in the Virgin Islands while inspiring generations of young Virgin Islanders to pursue careers in medicine and public health.

Honoring the women who shaped public health in the Virgin Islands.

If you need someone to talk to the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to offer compassionate help. Call or ...
04/03/2026

If you need someone to talk to the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to offer compassionate help. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

03/03/2026

🐾✨ LET’S GET MORE FIXED IN 2026 ✨🐾
Humane Society of St. Thomas Spay & Neuter Clinic

Our next Spay & Neuter Clinic is happening
📅 March 20th, 21st & 22nd

And we have a BIG goal…

🎯 200 Community Cats spayed and neutered.

Can we do it, St. Thomas? We believe we can!

Here’s the incredible news 💙 An angel donor has stepped up to cover the cost of ALL Community Cats for this clinic. That means there is NO financial barrier to getting our island’s community cats fixed.

🐱 Caring for community cats in your neighborhood?
This is your moment.

But that’s not all…

🐶🐱 Owned dogs and cats are also covered by a grant the Humane Society has received. If you have a pet at home that is not spayed or neutered — now is the time to do your part. There is no reason to wait.

Every animal fixed means:
✔️ No unwanted litters
✔️ Less suffering on our streets
✔️ Fewer puppies and kittens struggling to survive
✔️ A healthier island for everyone

Of course, if you’re able to contribute toward our spay/neuter fund, donations always help us continue offering these lifesaving clinics — but cost should never stop you from scheduling.

📲 Click here to schedule your appointment:
https://clinichq.com/online/3f391380-ba00-48ae-842b-bea4638713af

Let’s rally together.
Let’s hit 200.
Let’s protect the next generation.
Let’s get more fixed in 2026. 🐾💙

Address

4006 Estate Diamond Ruby
Christiansted
00820

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+13407181311

Website

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The Department of Health functions as both the state regulatory agency and the territorial public health agency for the U.S. Virgin Islands. As set forth by the Virgin Islands Code, Titles 3 and 19, the Department of Health (DOH) has direct responsibility for conducting programs of preventive medicine, including special programs in Maternal and Child Health, Family Planning, Environmental Sanitation, Mental Health, and Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention. DOH also is responsible for health promotion and protection, regulation of health care providers and facilities, and policy development and planning, as well as maintaining the vital statistics for the population. DOH provides Emergency Medical Services, issues birth and death certificates, performs environmental health services, and conducts health research and surveys. The Department is also responsible for regulating and licensing health care providers and facilities, and assumes primary responsibility for the health of the community in the event of a disaster.