ST. THOMAS EAST END MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION 
Tess G. Richards, MD 
Executive Director/Medical Director
4605 Tutu Park Mall, Suite 207 St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802 
P.O. Box 503177 St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00805-3177 
TELEPHONE: 340-775-3700 Ext. 2016 FAX: 340-714-9170 
EMAIL: trichards@steemcc.org 
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“Your Health is our First Priority”
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Senator Milton Potter, President of the 36th Legislature, and other members of the 36th 
Legislature, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of Bill No. 36-0228. I 
strongly support this measure because it represents a critical investment in modernizing the 
healthcare infrastructure of the Unites States Virgin Islands, promotes data-driven policy making 
and strengthens the coordination of care across our Territory.
The Virgin Islands Health Data Utility (HDU) is essential for advancing a coordinated, efficient, 
and high-quality healthcare system. Secure interoperable data exchange enables providers, 
hospitals, behavioral health services, and public health agencies to access timely and accurate 
information, thereby improving clinical decision-making, reducing duplication of services, and 
strengthening continuity of care. 
Bill No. 36-0228 also promotes responsible fiscal stewardship by helping to contain costs and 
strengthen Medicaid program oversight. Reducing duplication of services, improving utilization 
monitoring, and supporting interoperability of Medicaid data enhances program integrity and 
aligns the Territory with federal expectations. Finally, the HDU strengthens the territory’s 
disaster readiness and system resilience. Ensuring that health information remains accessible 
during hurricanes, cyber incidents, or other disasters is critical for a geographically dispersed and 
resource-constrained region such as the USVI. 
I fully support Bill No. 36-0228 as it positions the Territory to improve health outcomes, 
increase operational efficiency, and build a more resilient, transparent, and sustainable healthcare 
system for the people of the United States Virgin Islands. 
Tess G. Richards, M.D.