VA Caribbean Healthcare System Welcomes Governor Bryan

Carlos R. Escobar, executive director of the Veterans Administration Caribbean Healthcare System, welcomed U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and his staff to the VA Medical Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Aug. 6, to further develop an alliance with the U.S. territory authorities. “We are excited about the opportunities to continue improving the model of health care provided to veterans in the region in close collaboration with the USVI government,” said Escobar during his welcoming remarks. Also participating in the encounter were Dr. George Velez, VACHS deputy director; Dr. William Acevedo, VACHS chief of staff; Dr. Carmen Lozada-Alemán, VACHS associate chief of staff for geriatrics and the extended care unit; Patrick Farrell, state director of Veterans Affairs; and Justa E. Encarnacion, V.I. health commissioner and chief public health officer. Meanwhile, Dr. Luis Amaro, chief executive officer of USVI Schneider Regional Medical Center and Dyma B. Williams, interim chief executive officer of the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, participated at the meeting virtually.

“For the majority of our veterans in the territory, the VA hospital is their primary healthcare provider, so making sure that they have seamless access to that care is a priority for me as governor,” said Bryan.

During the encounter, Escobar personally informed Bryan about the recent approval of an Air Charter contract that will provide recurring roundtrip air transportation services to eligible veterans from the USVI to Puerto Rico. The first flight is scheduled for next week.

“This flight is a clear indicator of our commitment to our USVI veterans and how we want to continue developing creative solutions to facilitate equal access to care to our veterans,” said Escobar.

Another new initiative discussed was the expansion to the USVI of the Home-Based Primary Care program. The program is for veterans who need team-based, in-home support for ongoing diseases and illnesses that affect their health and daily activities.

“By creating an effective alliance with the USVI healthcare community and enabling HBPC services, the VACHS will effectively change the model of care to our veterans. This is a personal commitment, and I take it very seriously,” said Escobar.