The Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation, operated by Dialysis Clinic, Inc., is working with agencies across St. Croix to create islandwide disaster contingency plans to protect patients who rely on dialysis treatment.
“Dialysis is critical for those who have lost kidney function,” said Jodi Rodriguez, RN, nurse manager at the Sunny Isle facility. “The whole territory is trying to do this work together as a team. We are all on those joint meetings with the Department of Health and the network sharing how many machines we have, how many stations we have, the availability of staff and machinery. The whole territory is trying to work together as a team.”
The Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation, a nonprofit established in 2018, opened its St. Croix dialysis clinic in January at Sunny Isle, next to the Social Security office. The facility currently treats 31 patients and can accommodate up to 78. Most patients receive dialysis three times a week, with treatment available six days a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday schedules. Treatment frequency may be adjusted based on fluid levels, toxins, or potassium concerns.
To prepare for emergencies, the clinic keeps updated contact, emergency, and personal information for all patients. Each patient also receives an emergency packet that includes national contact numbers for Dialysis Clinic, Inc., in case the local facility is unable to open. The clinic’s goal is to keep all patients on St. Croix. It operates on feeder 5A, which also powers the hospital, and has a backup diesel generator in place. Sharing the road with the hospital also improves the likelihood of quick access after a storm.
“When the governor puts a state of emergency, we are being guided by the government. At that point, we will only be able to say, this is what we have available, this is what’s running. And they’re going to leave us to determine that,” Rodriguez said. The team is also seeking hurricane passes for staff, patients, and drivers who transport patients.
Kevin Marusa, one of the first patients at the clinic, said he understands what is at stake. “I went through full stage renal disease when I was 27 years old. It hasn’t all been dialysis. I was transplanted twice as well.” Now 52, Marusa said he intends to remain on St. Croix even during a major storm. “In the event of a major disaster, I will still come in, I’ll still be here every day at 06:30. My life depends on being here.”
The facility is stocked with three months of supplies, storm shutters, a cistern, a backup generator, and the ability to bring in water tanks. “This is a good strong building. All of our storm shutters are good,” Rodriguez said. She plans to return the day after any storm to check operations and, if necessary, retrieve patients herself.
Emergency shelter capacity for 2025 has also been identified. Ryan Nugent of the V.I. Human Services Department said shelters on St. Croix include the St. Croix Educational Complex, with a pre-landfall capacity of 1,724 and post-landfall capacity of 631, and the D.C. Canegata Recreation Center, with a pre-landfall capacity of 161 and post-landfall capacity of 80. The Educational Complex is also pet-friendly.
Elderly, dependent adults, and persons with disabilities aged 60 and older can register with the Disaster Registry. Forms are available at the Human Services Department, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Virgin Islands Elections System.
Dialysis Clinic, Inc., operates as a not-for-profit corporation focused on kidney care innovation, addressing care gaps, supporting local communities, and investing in research to advance treatment and improve the lives of people with kidney disease.
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