Urge Members of the 36th Legislature to vote YES for the Opioid Notification Bill No. 36-0021!

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AARP-Virgin Islands reminds Virgin Islanders that we are now in the “11^th hour” before our 36^th Legislature revisits a critical public health crisis that affects every one of us. Earlier this year, in April, State Director Troy A. De Chabert-Schuster testified before the Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services to contribute to the critical discussion about protecting a patient’s right to know about the risks associated with opioid misuse. This testimony was presented in support of Bill No. 36-0021, which requires a practitioner to discuss certain information with a patient when prescribing opioids. As a former pharmacy owner, he gave intimate details of how he witnessed the devastating impacts of opioid misuse.

Today, the 36^th Legislature will consider this bill, which complements prior legislative efforts supported by AARP, including the recent establishment of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) and the creation of the Opioid Abatement Fund. Together, these efforts advance the work of combating opioid misuse and protecting public health in our territory. A recent report by the Virgin Islands Department of Health outlined that opioid-related ER visits have increased by more than 35% from 2020 to 2023, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with opioids due to higher rates of chronic pain and medication use.

Needless to say, this legislative measure goes far beyond prescription directions. It specifies the necessity of effective communication between the practitioner and the patient, providing education that could save lives. Most importantly, it serves as a crucial transparency measure to in averting possible opioid abuse, which can lead to misuse or, in some cases, fatalities.

AARP-Virgin Islands thanks Senator Marvin Blyden for the sponsorship of this bill, in addition to co-sponsors Kurt A. Vialet, Sen. Avery L. Lewis and Sen. Ray Fonseca. AARP-Virgin Islands also thanks our members and USVI residents who have followed the movement of Bill No. 26-0021 and voiced their support to those responsible for the passage of this legislation. Let’s be clear: there is still time for others to familiarize themselves with the legislation and let their voices be heard.

Join AARP-Virgin Islands in urging members of the 36^th Legislature to vote YES for the Opioid Notification Bill No. 36-0021.