The USVI Department of Health is notifying the public that less than two weeks remain to comment on its intent to solicit support from the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training Program (IRT) to assist with addressing the Territory’s shortage of pediatric providers. The shortage has resulted in the back log of patients in need of vaccines and physicals for the upcoming school year.

The period for questions and/or objections ends on July 21, 2023. 

IRT's assistance includes providing vaccines and physicals to the pediatric population in the US Virgin Islands, during the summer, for school entry requirements in the fall. The community would also benefit from preventative services and management of any identified pediatric pathology. The program also allows for the IRT team to receive vaccination and pediatric medical training, working alongside local providers.

The proposed assistance is tentatively set for late July at the VI Department of Health's Maternal Child Health clinics on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.

Contractors, labor unions, or private individuals who have questions or who wish to voice opposition to military assistance for this project may contact Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, Chief Medical Officer, at the USVI Department of Health at 340-774-0117 or via e-mail at [email protected] by July 21, 2023. Persons not filing comments within the time frame noted will be considered to have waived their objections to military assistance for this project.