AGP Executive Report

Medicare Fraud Prevention: With Medicare Fraud Prevention Week underway, officials warn that scams are rising fast—especially phone scams that can drain thousands in minutes—and urge people to review Medicare Summary Notices, never share Medicare numbers with strangers, and report suspicious activity to the Senior Medicare Patrol. Local Health Workforce: The UVI Medical Simulation Center has been added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten graduates completed Cohort 2 and are now eligible for National Registry certification. Cancer Community Support: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th year, bringing survivors, volunteers, and supporters together as teams pushed toward a $300,000 goal, with survivor stories highlighting hope and healing. Public Health Readiness: New York officials continue high-risk disease drills, using hospital simulations to practice PPE, communication, and response plans for outbreaks and other emergencies. Privacy & Health Data Security: A 3rd Circuit ruling offers guidance for businesses facing website tracking lawsuits, emphasizing that plaintiffs must show real harm and standing—an issue that matters when health-related data is involved.

Medicare Fraud Prevention: Medicare loses an estimated $60B to fraud, errors, and abuse, and scammers are getting more convincing in 2026—especially phone scams where losses can hit $2,210 per incident. The Senior Medicare Patrol urges people to never share their Medicare number with anyone except trusted providers, hang up on unsolicited calls, review Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits for odd charges, and report suspicious activity to local SMP (1-877-808-2468). Local Health Workforce: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten EMT graduates completed Cohort 2 and are set to pursue National Registry certification. Cancer Community Support: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6, with 35 teams and more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal, featuring survivor stories including a 16-year ovarian cancer survivor. Privacy & Data Safety: A 3rd Circuit update offers guidance for businesses facing website tracking lawsuits tied to session replay code, emphasizing that plaintiffs must show real injury and standing. Public Health Readiness: New York officials continue high-risk disease drills (including PPE practice and coordination) to prepare for outbreaks and emergencies. Community Safety & Wellness: Acting Governor Roach highlighted public service at St. Croix’s Employee of the Year ceremony, underscoring the role of reliable government support in residents’ daily health and access needs.

Cancer Care & Community: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6, bringing survivors, volunteers and American Cancer Society officials together at the St. Croix Educational Complex track; organizers said 35 teams joined and more than $200,000 was raised toward a $300,000 goal, with survivor stories like 16-year ovarian cancer survivor Wendy Graham emphasizing hope and healing. Workforce Health Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; UVI MSC also reported Cohort 2 completion with 10 residents finishing the program and becoming eligible for NREMT certification. Medicare Fraud Prevention: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights how scams are evolving in 2026, urging people with Medicare to watch for fake calls, review Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits, track appointments, and report suspicious activity to the Senior Medicare Patrol. Public Health Preparedness: New York officials described ongoing special pathogen drills—practicing PPE, communication and protocols for high-risk outbreaks—training that also supports hospitals across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Disaster Readiness: Even with a below-normal Atlantic hurricane outlook, the U.S. Virgin Islands is reminded that one storm can still cause major harm; forecasters project 8–14 named storms and stress staying prepared. Emergency Response: The Coast Guard reported rescuing a boater near St. Thomas after a vessel fire and sinking, with the passenger transferred to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

Cancer Care in the Community: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6 at the St. Croix Educational Complex track, with 35 teams and more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal—organizers said a promised $100,000 government contribution could push totals higher. Survivor stories led the way, including 16-year ovarian cancer survivor Wendy Graham, who shared that “there is hope, there is healing” and cancer doesn’t have to be faced with fear. Emergency Medical Training Boost: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, opening access to WIOA funding for EMT training; UVI MSC also reported Cohort 2 completion with 10 graduates eligible for NREMT certification. Medicare Fraud Alerts: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week coverage highlights rising scams targeting older adults, including new phone scams using AI voice cloning—plus practical steps like reviewing Medicare Summary Notices and reporting suspicious activity to the Senior Medicare Patrol. Coast Guard Rescue: The Coast Guard reported rescuing a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas; the passenger was transferred to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

Privacy & Health Data: The 3rd Circuit says session replay code cases can fail when plaintiffs can’t show injury or standing, offering businesses a clearer path to dismiss tracking “wiretapping” claims. Medicare Fraud Watch: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights rising losses and a fast-growing scam where callers use AI voice cloning to sound like a loved one—hang up and check official notices. Local EMS Training: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding; 10 EMT trainees completed Cohort 2 and are set for NREMT certification. Sun & Skin Safety: A reminder that clothing and shade can protect better than sunscreen alone, with guidance on choosing mineral vs chemical options. Hurricane Readiness: Even with a below-normal forecast, the National Hurricane Center is expanding its inland warning cone to better show wind risks for places like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Emergency Response: Coast Guard units rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas, with the passenger transferred to VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: The Senior Medicare Patrol is urging people in the U.S. Virgin Islands to watch for fake Medicare calls, bills for services not received, and unnecessary tests—then review Medicare Summary Notices/Explanation of Benefits and report suspicious activity to local SMP (1-877-808-2468). Workforce & EMS Training: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the territory’s Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten residents completed Cohort 2 with a strong path toward NREMT certification. Public Health Preparedness: New York’s “disease detectives” are running high-risk drills—practicing PPE, communication, and protocols—while training hospitals across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Emergency Response at Sea: The Coast Guard rescued a boater near St. Thomas after a vessel fire and sinking, with the passenger transferred to VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Hurricane Season Update: The 2026 Atlantic season starts with a below-normal outlook, but forecasters stress inland impacts and the need to stay ready.

Medicare Scam Alert: A growing 2026 Medicare phone scam is using AI voice cloning to sound exactly like a beneficiary’s daughter, pushing victims to stay on the line and share Medicare details—FTC and partners are marking Medicare Fraud Prevention Week with warnings that losses are soaring. Local Workforce & EMS Training: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten residents completed Cohort 2 and are now positioned for NREMT certification. Public Health Readiness: New York officials described ongoing hospital drills for high-risk outbreaks, including PPE practice and communication testing across hospitals serving New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Emergency Response at Sea: The Coast Guard rescued a boater near St. Thomas after a vessel fire and sinking, with the passenger transferred to VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Hurricane Season Watch: The 2026 Atlantic season starts with a below-normal outlook, but forecasters stress inland impacts and the need to stay prepared even when fewer storms are expected. Skin Protection Reminder: A column urges smarter sun safety—cover up with shirts and hats first, then use sunscreen when skin is exposed.

Public Health Preparedness: New York officials are running high-risk hospital drills, including PPE practice and communication tests, with Bellevue simulations covering outbreaks like measles, swine flu, and even anthrax—plus a recent MERS “World Cup emergence” scenario that also includes hospitals across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Medicare Fraud Alert: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights a fast-growing 2026 scam where callers use AI voice cloning to sound like a beneficiary’s daughter and rush victims to get Medicare numbers—urging people to hang up and verify through official channels. Local Workforce & EMS Training: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten residents completed Cohort 2 with strong progress toward national certification. Emergency Response at Sea: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas, with the passenger transferred to VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Hurricane Readiness: Even with a below-normal 2026 Atlantic outlook, forecasters stress the Caribbean and U.S. Virgin Islands can still face a life-changing storm, and NOAA’s updated inland warning approach is meant to reduce complacency.

Medicare Scam Alert: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week spotlights a fast-growing phone scam where callers use AI voice cloning to sound like a beneficiary’s daughter and rush victims for Medicare info—FTC reports losses among adults 60+ jumped sharply in recent years. Workforce & Emergency Care: UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with graduates on track for NREMT certification. Public Health & Safety: Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas, with the passenger transferred to VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Hurricane Readiness: Even with a below-normal 2026 Atlantic outlook, the National Hurricane Center is expanding its forecast cone to better warn inland areas—important for U.S. Virgin Islands residents planning for wind impacts. Privacy & Data Security: FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education after a major breach of student data tied to weak security and delayed notifications. Local Government: Acting Gov. Roach recognized top public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, highlighting how frontline service supports residents. Health Tech & Ethics: Google’s parent company seeks approval to release millions of mosquitoes in California and Florida to reduce virus-spreading insects, raising both public health hopes and ethical questions.

Medicare Fraud Alert: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is spotlighting a fast-growing 2026 scam: phone calls that use AI voice cloning to sound exactly like a beneficiary’s daughter, pushing victims to stay on the line and share Medicare details. Workforce & EMS Training: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; the center also marked Cohort 2 completion with 10 graduates on track for NREMT certification. Public Health & Skin Safety: A new column urges Virgin Islanders to rethink sunscreen for summer—favoring reusable sun-protective clothing and shade first, then choosing the right lotion when skin must be exposed. Mental Health After Job Loss: A survey of federal workers laid off by the Trump administration reports widespread mental health impacts, including PTSD-like symptoms, affecting people across the U.S. Virgin Islands and 43 states. Emergency Response at Sea: The Coast Guard rescued a boater near St. Thomas after a vessel fire and sinking, with the passenger transferred to VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Hurricane Readiness: The National Hurricane Center is expanding its forecast cone to include inland watches and warnings for the 2026 season, aiming to better communicate wind risks beyond the coast.

Workforce & EMS Training: UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; the center also marked Cohort 2 completion with 10 residents finishing the program and moving toward NREMT certification. Mental Health & Federal Employment: A survey of federal workers laid off by the Trump administration reports widespread mental health impacts, including PTSD-like symptoms, with respondents including people across the U.S. Virgin Islands. Emergency Response: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas; the passenger was transferred to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Public Health & Climate Readiness: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins with a below-normal outlook, but warnings stress that even one storm can bring major risks to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Health Policy: The St. Thomas/St. Croix Senate advanced a bill on green waste disposal using controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke-reduction requirements. Sun Safety: A column highlights practical sunscreen and clothing-based protection to lower skin cancer risk during stronger summer sun. Food Security (Wellness Lens): A commentary connects food security to mental health, stress reduction, and healthier eating as a foundation for overall wellbeing in the territory.

Workforce & EMS Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training and helping reduce financial barriers; it also marked Cohort 2’s EMT program milestone with ten residents completing training and moving toward NREMT certification. Local Health Governance: On St. Thomas, the VI Senate advanced a bill to address the green waste disposal crisis using controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added rules aimed at cutting smoke and protecting nearby communities. Disaster Readiness: The National Hurricane Center updated its 2026 season outlook and, in related reporting, highlighted that even a below-normal season can still bring dangerous storms—an important reminder for Virgin Islands preparedness. Community Health & Access: A Coast Guard rescue near St. Thomas sent a boater to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, underscoring the value of fast emergency response for survival and recovery. Public Health Lifestyle Tip: A column on sunscreen choices urged residents to consider clothing and shade first, then use sunscreen when needed to lower skin cancer risk.

Public Service & Mental Health: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top VI public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony, spotlighting how frontline government work supports families, students, and seniors. Sun Safety: A new column argues that the best sunscreen “may be a shirt you already own,” pushing clothing, hats, and shade as planet-friendlier UV protection, with lotion for exposed areas. Workplace Stress: A survey of federal workers laid off by the Trump administration reports widespread mental health impacts, including PTSD-like symptoms, especially among probationary employees. Hurricane Readiness: The 2026 Atlantic season starts June 1 with a below-normal forecast, but warnings stress that even one storm can still hit the U.S. Virgin Islands hard. Local Environment Policy: The VI Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure using controlled incineration only when safer options like composting and mulching aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke limits. Coast Guard Rescue: Coast Guard crews rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas, transferring the passenger to local emergency services.

Local Government & Health: The U.S. Virgin Islands Senate advanced a measure to manage green waste via controlled incineration, but lawmakers added guardrails—incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, plus sorting rules, reduced smoke/particulates, and stronger fire-safety steps. Public Service & Community Wellbeing: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting how reliable public service supports residents’ daily needs. Skin Health & Sun Safety: A new column urges smarter summer sun protection—using clothing and shade first, then sunscreen when skin is exposed—while weighing chemical vs. mineral options and environmental impact. Mental Health After Job Loss: A survey of federal workers fired during the Trump administration reports widespread mental health effects, including PTSD-like symptoms, especially among probationary employees. Disaster Readiness: The Atlantic hurricane season opened with a below-normal forecast, but warnings emphasize that even quieter years can still bring dangerous storms. Coast Guard Rescue: Coast Guard crews rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas, with the passenger transferred to local EMS.

Skin Protection & Planet-Friendly Choices: With stronger summer sun, a new local-focused column argues you can protect skin and the environment by choosing reusable clothing like long-sleeve shirts and wide-brim hats first, then using sunscreen when needed—explaining the tradeoffs between chemical and mineral UV filters. Hurricane Readiness: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 with a below-normal outlook, but warnings stress that even fewer storms can still bring major impacts—plus the National Hurricane Center is expanding its forecast cone to better show inland tropical storm and hurricane risks, including for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dengue Alert for Travelers: A new report finds U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359% over the 2010–2023 average, driven mostly by travel-linked infections, with a large share tied to the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Local Safety & Health Services: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas, transferring the only passenger to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Community Health Policy: The VI Senate advanced a measure to manage green waste via controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke-reduction requirements. Food Security: Commentary highlights how food insecurity fuels stress and harms health, while national SUN Bucks/Summer EBT benefits are set to help families buy groceries during summer breaks, including participation by the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mental Health After Job Loss: A survey of federal workers laid off by the Trump administration reports widespread mental health effects, including PTSD-like symptoms, with respondents across the U.S. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Domestic Violence Case: A St. Thomas man faces charges after police say he punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding.

Hurricane Readiness: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season kicked off June 1 with a below-normal outlook, but forecasters still warn the Caribbean and U.S. Virgin Islands can’t treat a quiet start as safety—NOAA projects 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes, with impacts that can reach far inland. Local Health & Safety: The U.S. Virgin Islands Senate advanced a bill to manage green waste through controlled incineration, but lawmakers added limits—incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, plus stronger fire-safety and smoke-reduction steps. Public Health & Nutrition: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to begin paying in June, including the U.S. Virgin Islands—$120 per eligible school-age child for SNAP-approved groceries during summer break. Community Health Alert: A St. Thomas woman was left unconscious and bleeding after an alleged domestic assault by her partner, according to court and police reports. Disease Watch: A new report highlights a sharp rise in U.S. dengue cases in 2024, driven mostly by travel—many linked to Caribbean destinations including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.