Gov. John deJongh Jr. Saturday joined Partners for Health to recognize three V.I. residents who, over the course of many years, have contributed to the high quality of medical care available for all Virgin Islanders at what is now Schneider Regional Medical Center.
“We have our share of public health challenges in this territory, including unacceptably high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease," deJongh said. "To make inroads in combating these problems, we must see a coordinated effort: non-profit organizations like Partners for Health working with the government and the private sector to properly educate the public and provide the technology and expertise necessary to truly improve the overall health and wellbeing of our people.”
Partners for Health is a nonprofit organization with a history of helping St. Thomas’s hospital secure expensive, but much-needed equipment. The organization recently spent almost $45,000 on equipment for the hospital: a telemetry unit with a Versa Care Bed for a Step Down ICU Unit, a Serofuge and a plasma thawer for the medical laboratory.The honorees were Madeline “Moody” Williams, Dr. Richard Lloyd and Ruth E. Thomas.
• Williams has worked almost 30 years on St. Thomas as a medical technologist.
“Many nights at Schneider Hospital, she is alone on the swing shift, making sure patients have immediate access to laboratory services that often save lives. This work is essential to properly treating hospital patients, but Madeline’s dedication, which usually plays out behind the scenes, easily can go unrecognized,” deJongh said.
• Lloyd has practiced dentistry in Sugar Estate for many years.
“Dr. Lloyd’s concern for his patients, however, goes beyond their teeth," the governor said. "He is dedicated to providing a comfortable, supportive environment for all who step into his office, and his involvement in his patients’ lives and concern for their families is well known on this island. Outside of his practice, Dr. Lloyd, once chairman of the Board of Dental Examiners, continues to focus on matters of public health and contribute his expertise to supporting the health needs of our community and the medical center that serves that community.”
• Thomas has spent most of her professional life working to better the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Ms. Thomas is a teacher, leader, administrator and community activist – her public service, including her work as a board member for Partners for Health, has impacted numerous lives. She has also served on the UVI Board of Directors and many other of the territory’s boards and commissions. Her frequent radio commentaries are always stimulating and insightful. Partners for Health is rightfully honoring one of their own tonight,” deJongh said.
“People like Madeline Williams, Dr. Lloyd and Ruth Thomas truly are wonders of the Earth, and are rightfully honored tonight," the governor said. "And all of you in attendance here tonight at this ball also deserve praise, because your decision to honor these Virgin Islanders and support this organization will help finance the next round of purchases of life-saving equipment for the hospital,” the governor added.
