ST. CROIX — The V.I. Department of Health has delivered a new set of specialized pediatric medical supplies to the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center, part of an ongoing effort to strengthen emergency care for infants and children across the territory. The donation was made through the Department’s Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program.
“These donated items will strengthen the hospital’s ability to care for infants and children in both everyday emergencies and potential disaster situations,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion.
The equipment provided to JFL includes pediatric crutches, reusable pediatric blood pressure cuffs, warming gowns, neonatal and infant airway equipment, pediatric oxygen masks, IV armboards, enteral feeding tubes, pediatric lumbar puncture kits, and umbilical vessel catheter trays, among other clinical supplies. According to the Department, the items will support pediatric care across the hospital, including the Pediatric Ward, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and the Emergency Department.
Hospital and Department of Health personnel attended the donation event, including JFL CEO Darlene Baptiste, staff from the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, EMSC’s Family Advisory Network representative Alvin Burkel, EMSC Program Director Jacqueline Greenidge-Payne, and Commissioner Encarnacion.
The commissioner said the donation reflects the Department’s continued focus on ensuring pediatric readiness throughout the Virgin Islands. “Ensuring our youngest patients receive the highest standard of emergency care is a top priority for the EMSC program and the department,” Encarnacion said. “Today’s donation reflects our commitment to strengthening pediatric capacity at JFL and throughout the territory. We also look forward to making a similar donation to Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas in the coming weeks.”
The donation is part of the broader mission of the EMSC Program, which works with hospitals and emergency response partners to enhance pediatric emergency care, improve coordination, and ensure providers are trained and equipped to treat children’s unique medical needs.
JFL CEO Darlene Baptiste said the resources will have a direct impact on the hospital’s ability to meet the needs of young patients. “We are truly grateful to the Virgin Islands Department of Health and the EMS-Children Program for their generous donation of pediatric supplies,” she said. “These resources greatly enhance our ability to provide safe, high-quality care for our infants and children, addressing everything from routine emergencies to the most complex critical situations. Strengthening pediatric readiness is a shared priority, and we appreciate the Department’s commitment to supporting the needs of our hospital and community. This partnership is making a meaningful difference for the families we serve every day.”
In addition to equipment, the EMSC Program has offered multiple training opportunities, including Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization.
EMSC Program Director Greenidge-Payne emphasized the role of sustained collaboration in developing a resilient pediatric emergency system. “Pediatric readiness saves lives,” she said. “Our team works closely with hospital staff, EMS, and community partners to ensure children receive timely, appropriate, and high-quality care. These supplies directly support that mission, and we are proud to continue strengthening pediatric preparedness across the Virgin Islands.”
The VIDOH EMSC Program has received national recognition for its work in pediatric disaster preparedness and training, including acknowledgments from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and FEMA Region 2.
A similar pediatric equipment donation will be made to Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas as part of this territory-wide readiness effort.
