The Government of the Virgin Islands has a Territorial Emergency Operations plan (TEOP).  The TEOP is led by the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA). The purpose of the TEOP is to establish the overall framework within which all entities of Territorial government, non-governmental organizations, private sector, and our citizens will operate in an integrated and coordinated fashion before, during and after a disaster. This plan is in accordance with existing federal and territorial statutes and understandings of the various departments involved. It will be reviewed and recertified periodically by the VITEMA Director. All recipients are requested to advise VITEMA of all changes which might result in its improvement or increase in its usefulness.

• In accordance with Virgin Island Code, Title 23, the VITEMA Act (5233) of 1986 and VI Emergency Management Act of 2009, VITEMA establishes direction and control of a Territory response based on functional support groups, involving broad participation from Territory, private and voluntary relief organizations, and compatible with the federal response and recovery concepts of operation.
• Each territorial agency tasked with a responsibility in the TEOP or supporting plans and annexes shall develop, maintain, and ensure their ability to implement response plans in support of the TEOP, as required by Virgin Islands Code Title 23, Chapter 10 of Territorial Emergency Management Act.
•  Emergency response personnel, equipment, and facilities will maintain a state of readiness to save lives, prevent or minimize damage to property, protect public health and provide assistance to all who are threatened by an emergency or become victims of a disaster.
• The Territory will coordinate emergency response and recovery operations across the various U.S. Virgin Islands, including support provided by other states, the federal government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), and private organizations.
• The Governor will determine the level and duration of commitment of Territorial resources.
• The TEOP provides the foundation for territorial emergency response and recovery operations.

II. PURPOSE

• Identifies the role of territorial government and coordinating non-governmental organization (NGO) and private sector partners before, during, and after a disaster, large-scale emergency, or event affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Establishes the concepts and policies under which all elements of territorial government and coordinating NGOs and private sector partners will operate during emergencies.
•  Outlines responsibilities of Territorial government officials, agencies, and private organizations that the annexes specify in more det
•  Provides the framework within which more detailed emergency plans or procedures can be developed and maintained.
•  Provides a framework for a prompt, effective and seamless assistance to U.S. Virgin Islands and individual Districts when federal assistance is requested

The Department of Health (DOH) is the lead agency of the Emergency Support Function 8: Public Health and Medical Services Plan (ESF-8) of the VI TEOP.  The ESF-8 plan is the guide for public health and medical emergency response and recovery operations, outlining specific actions in support of VIDOH, hospitals, emergency medical services, long-term care facilities, and health and medical centers, to support response and recovery activities.

The DOH has the following responsibilities under the TEOP.

• Develop and maintain procedures for mass-casualty situations.
• Develop procedures to identify and organize trained personnel who can augment regular medical staff.
• Develop plans to provide medical care at mass care facilities if an evacuation occurs.
• Manage implementation and distribution of medical countermeasures for mass threats to public health.
• Develop guidelines for assisted nursing facilities.
• Develop plans for mass inoculation against disease.
• Develop resource lists for necessary supplies.
• Recruit and train qualified personnel.
• Manage mortuary activities.
• 10.Develop procedures for identifying the dead and notifying next of kin

The Health Commissioner leads and directs the USVI Department of Health (DOH) emergency response organization.  As the ESF-8 lead, Department of Health operates its own Emergency Operations Center (EOC). MCH staff currently holds critical roles in the DOH EOC.  The Title V Director and the MCH Clinic Head Nurses are a part of the leadership structure in the DOH Emergency Operations Center. The Title V Director holds the Operations Manager position for the STT/STJ District, and the Head Nurses are the nursing leads in the Special Needs Shelter. 

DOH operations must be performed efficiently with minimal disruption, especially during an emergency. The USVI DOH Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan provides planning and program guidance for continuing DOH mission essential functions (MEFs) and critical tasks under all threats and conditions.  VI MCH was involved in the development of the USVI Coop Plan. 

The MCH (EOC) staff participated in a EOC specific position training.  The purpose of this training is to familiarize participants with the roles and responsibilities of multiple EOC positions including Incident Command and Section Chiefs (Planning, Logistics, Operations, Finance/Admin). Through a mixture of plenary sessions and activities, participants will improve their ability to support an EOC activation. The training will culminate in a simulated emergency requiring EOC activation where participants can put into practice the knowledge and skills gained during training.