ST. JOHN, U.S. Virgin Islands – Temporary medical modular facilities are now open at the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center, St. John’s primary healthcare resource.
The center sustained significant damage following Hurricane Irma when severe winds and rain breached the facility’s roof. The infusion of water from the damage resulted in the saturation of ceiling tiles, walls and partitions, destroying furniture, medical equipment and flooring.
"The opening of these modular facilities not only helps provide essential services to the citizens of St. John, it is a visible sign of recovery for all residents," said Jacqueline Heyliger, Recovery Director. "We are proud of the coordinated effort undertaken by the territory, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to meet the medical needs of residents."
FEMA provided $1.4 million in funding to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the installation of the 11 temporary modular units. These units totaling 3,500 square feet, will be utilized as a patient care clinic while repairs to the building take place.
The center began accepting patients on Thursday, March 21, 2019.
###
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after a disaster.
Follow us on social media at twitter.com/femaregion2 and www.facebook.com/FEMAUSVirginIslands. For emergency, weather related, public safety and service disruption alerts on the Virgin Islands, sign up for Alert VI or copy https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736729008#/login into your browser.