Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation state-of-the-art dialysis unit in Sunny Isle, St. Croix. Photo Credit: VIHCF
After years of advocacy and planning, the V.I. Healthcare Foundation (VIHCF) has officially opened the VIHCF Renal Center, describing the facility on Saturday as a state-of-the-art dialysis facility in the Sunny Isles Shopping Center Annex. To mark the occasion, the nonprofit organization will host an open house on Friday, March 14 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
According to the release, the 13-chair dialysis unit, which began providing hemodialysis services on January 3, is designed to serve up to 78 patients at full capacity. The center is said to offer a comprehensive range of services, including outpatient in-center hemodialysis, kidney disease management, and telehealth services, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Bringing this vision to life has been a collaborative effort. VIHCF partnered with Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (DCI), the largest nonprofit dialysis provider in the United States, to establish the center, the release states.
Founded in 1971 by Dr. Keith Johnson in Nashville, Tennessee, DCI has remained committed to providing quality care regardless of circumstances. This commitment was reinforced when Dr. Johnson and his team visited the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2018, where they witnessed the struggles of dialysis patients displaced by hurricanes, many of whom were living in hotels for over a year due to the lack of local dialysis facilities. That visit sparked a partnership that is now bringing long-term benefits to the Virgin Islands’ renal community.
The release says VIHCF Renal Center goes beyond providing dialysis treatments. It connects patients to DCI’s nationwide network of clinics, allowing travel for specialized medical care, including transplants. Healthcare professionals will also benefit from ongoing training, workshops, and career development opportunities, further strengthening the island’s dialysis care system.
In addition to medical treatment, the center offers comprehensive patient support, including access to a nurse manager, dietitian, and social worker. The goal is to help patients navigate their complex healthcare needs, recognizing that dialysis is not just a procedure—it is a lifeline.
The opening of the VIHCF Renal Center is the result of dedicated community efforts, grassroots fundraising, federal grants, and key financial contributions. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. approved a $2 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which played a critical role in making the facility a reality.
VIHCF extended its deep gratitude to Governor Bryan and his administration, Dr. Keith Johnson and the DCI team, engineers, consultants, and the Dialysis Patients Advocacy Group, whose commitment to this mission has been unwavering.
The release states that the VIHCF Renal Center is more than just a healthcare facility—it represents a commitment to dignity, stability, and peace of mind for those in need. VIHCF acknowledges the support of every donor, no matter how small, in bringing this essential resource to life.
As the center prepares for its March 14 open house, VIHCF invites the community to join this ongoing journey. Donations can be made at www.vihcf.org, and those seeking more information can contact the VIHCF Renal Center at 340-202-0020.
"This is not just about healthcare—it is about giving our community the dignity, stability, and peace of mind they deserve," VIHCF stated. "Fate is unpredictable, and anyone could one day rely on this life-saving treatment."
