USVI Public Records

Document text

1 of 1 ``` GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ST. CROIX OFFICE ST.THOMAS OFFICE CHARLES HARWOOD MEMORIAL COMPLEX 1303 HOSPITAL GROUND, SUITE 10 3500 ESTATE RICHMOND CHARLOTTE AMALIE CHRISTIANSTED, ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I. 00820-4370 ST.THOMAS, U.S.V.I. 00802-6722 TEL: (340) 718-6551 * FAX: (340) 718-1376 TEL: (340) 774-0117 * FAX: (340) 777-4001 03-11262018: For Immediate Release Contact: Jahnesta Ritter Mobile#: 340-626-6290 Health Commissioner Thanks Residents for Participating in CASPER Survey ST. CROIX, USVI (November 26, 2018) —The Department of Health has recently completed its fourth Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey. The purpose of this survey was to gather information about the Virgin Islands’ state of post-hurricane recovery and how the Department of Health can help residents be better prepared during future emergencies. During the assessment period from November 13th to November 16th, 210 households across the Territory participated in the survey, which is conducted in person by Department of Health representatives who do not collect personal information from respondents such as names and addresses. The survey contains 38 questions and takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Participants were asked questions related to their home’s physical repair status; access to essential items like clean water, electricity, and functioning toilets; access to health care; barriers to health care access such as cost or lack of insurance; stress and mental health challenges; mold remediation; environmental concerns such as mosquitos; and whether or not the household is preparing itself for future storms by organizing an emergency kit with supplies for each member of the household. The responses gathered from these questions help the Department of Health better understand the community’s knowledge of how to respond appropriately to a future emergency. The survey data also helps the Department identify where additional information, education, and support services are needed to fortify the community’s overall response readiness. CASPER surveys have been conducted in the past and responses from past CASPER events demonstrate progress toward hurricane recovery as well as community preparedness for future events. “The information collected from these surveys truly help the Department of Health evaluate where we are and where we need to go,” said Health Commissioner Michelle S. Davis. She expressed her gratitude to residents for participating. ##