United States Virgin Islands :: Office of the Lieutenant Governor :: Gregory R. Francis - Asthma Fairs Conclude H.V.I.B.E. Campaign

The Helping Virgin Islanders Breathe Easier (H.V.I.B.E) campaign of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor successfully concluded on May 16 with Asthma Fairs held on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Helping Virgin Islanders Breathe Easier is the local component of a multi-state public health initiative of the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association called Helping America Breathe Easier.

In remarks made at the brief ceremony that opened the St. Croix event, Dr. Marc Jerome of the Health Department said that the DOH will remain proactive in the fight against asthma. Paul Chakroff, Executive Director of the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA), spoke about the environmental triggers of asthma in the Virgin Islands. Chakroff said that SEA is concerned about the external as well as internal environment. “This beautiful environment we appreciate also affects us when the tradewinds bring Sahara dust and other allergens into the territory, “Chakroff remarked. “We cannot control dust, pollen and other allergens, but there are things that we can control, especially our interior environments.”

Medical professionals were on hand at the fair to conduct asthma screenings and demonstrate equipment that will enable the asthma sufferer to be more a proactive in managing their disease. School nurse, who are described as the “first line of defense for your children when they are at school” were also present to speak about their role in childhood asthma management.

A highlight of the event was the announcement of the winners for the Helping Virgin Islanders Breathe Easier essay and poster contest. Winners were as follows: