AGP Executive Report

Local Health Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed bills that expand mental health education, add paid leave for parents of children with diagnosed disabilities to attend medical appointments, and authorize controlled incineration of green waste—plus a measure tied to hotel development bond proceeds that affects the Virgin Islands Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation. Cancer Care in the Community: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6, with 35 teams, more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal, and survivor stories including a 16-year ovarian cancer survivor urging others that “there is hope, there is healing.” Medicare Fraud Prevention: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights common scam signs and urges beneficiaries to review notices, track appointments, and report suspicious activity to the Senior Medicare Patrol. Public Health Preparedness: New York officials and hospital partners are running drills for high-risk outbreaks and emergencies, including scenarios involving respiratory illnesses, to keep protocols sharp. Privacy & Health Data Security: The FTC finalized an order against Illuminate Education after a breach exposed sensitive student data, including health-related information, underscoring the need for strong security and timely breach notifications.

Local Health Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed new Virgin Islands measures covering mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with diagnosed disabilities to attend medical appointments, and controlled incineration for green waste—plus changes tied to hotel development funding that also involve the Government Employees’ Retirement System and the Virgin Islands Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation. Cancer Care in the Territory: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary with survivors, volunteers, and American Cancer Society officials, raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal and spotlighting ovarian cancer survivor Wendy Graham’s message of hope and healing. Workforce & Emergency Care: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the territory’s Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed the program with graduates now eligible for NREMT certification. Medicare Fraud Prevention: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights how scams are evolving, with guidance for beneficiaries to watch for fake charges, review benefit notices, and report suspicious activity to the Senior Medicare Patrol. Health Data & Privacy Enforcement: The FTC finalized an order against Illuminate Education after a breach exposed data for 10.1 million students, including health-related information, underscoring the need for stronger security and timely breach notification.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: The Senior Medicare Patrol is urging people with Medicare to watch for fake calls (including AI voice scams), review Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits, track appointments, and report suspicious activity to local SMPs. 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; Cohort 2 completed and graduates are set for NREMT certification. Cancer Community Impact: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, with survivors and volunteers raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal and sharing ovarian cancer survivor stories. Emergency Preparedness Drills: New York officials described ongoing high-risk pathogen simulations (including scenarios like measles, swine flu, and anthrax) that also involve hospitals across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Digital Privacy & Health Data: The FTC finalized an order against Illuminate Education after a breach exposed sensitive student data, highlighting the need for stronger security and timely breach notifications. Health & Aging Livability: AARP’s 2026 Community Challenge will fund quick, visible improvements for residents 50+; recipients are set to be announced June 24, with past grants including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Staying Safe While Traveling With Pets: A cruising guide shares practical tips and rules for keeping dogs and cats secure on boats.

Health & Safety in the Virgin Islands: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6, with 35 teams, survivor stories, and more than $200,000 already raised toward a $300,000 goal—highlighting community support for people facing cancer. Workforce & Emergency Care: The 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 moving toward NREMT certification. Medicare Fraud Prevention: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week spotlights rising scams and practical steps for beneficiaries—don’t share your Medicare number, watch for suspicious charges, and report suspected fraud to the Senior Medicare Patrol. Privacy & Consumer Data: The FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education after a breach exposed sensitive student data, underscoring how weak security and delayed notifications can trigger federal enforcement. Local Health Policy Watch: A Third Circuit ruling rejected “overtime gap time” claims under the FLSA, though state wage laws may still leave employers on the hook. Community Health Preparedness: New York officials described ongoing special pathogen drills, including simulations for outbreaks—training that can include hospitals and regional partners across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: The Senior Medicare Patrol is urging people with Medicare in the U.S. Virgin Islands to watch for fake calls, bills for services not received, and unusual charges—then review Medicare Summary Notices and report scams via 1-877-808-2468 or the SMP fraud form. Workforce & EMS Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the territory’s Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; UVI MSC also announced 10 EMT graduates from Cohort 2, with national certification eligibility. Cancer Care in St. Croix: Relay for Life marked its 25th year on St. Croix, with survivors and volunteers raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal and sharing survivor stories, including a 16-year ovarian cancer survivor. Local Health Capacity: UVI Medical Simulation Center’s expanded training access supports more emergency medical credential pathways for Virgin Islanders. Community Safety & Preparedness: New York officials’ pathogen drills highlight how hospitals across the region—including training hubs serving Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—practice PPE and response protocols for outbreaks and high-risk scenarios. Disaster Recovery Funding: A U.S. House hearing examined how HUD’s CDBG-DR disaster recovery grants work in practice, focusing on long-term needs and the strain of rewriting rules after each disaster.

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.