STEEMCC Wins HRSA Grant for Telehealth Network

Rochester, NY — Ne Taba International is honored to have supported St. Thomas East End Medical Center Corporation (STEEMCC), the only Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in the US Virgin Islands (USVI), in securing a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to establish a tele-behavioral health network. This initiative aims to address critical gaps in mental health and primary care services on the islands of St. Thomas and St. John, where geographic isolation and economic challenges have long impacted access to essential care.

The REACH-USVI project, Resilient Behavioral Health Integration for Access, Coverage, and Preparedness, aims to integrate behavioral health services into primary care, improving access to comprehensive care for nearly 16,500 underserved patients. Led by STEEMCC, the initiative brings together key partners, including Schneider Regional Medical Center, Howard University Telepharmacy and Population Health Center, and Zane Networks. These collaborators contribute extensive healthcare networks, technical expertise, and project management to improve health outcomes, workforce development, and telehealth solutions across the territory.

By 2029, the project will establish a robust tele-behavioral health service model, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring seamless service delivery across the USVI. Through training and resource support, local healthcare teams will sustain these services, fostering long-term resilience and improving community health outcomes. “This HRSA grant is a critical step in reducing healthcare disparities and building a sustainable health system in the USVI,” said Halimah Ouedraogo, Chief Executive Officer of Ne Taba International. “We are proud to support STEEMCC and their partners in addressing behavioral health needs towards creating a lasting positive impact in the region.”