Impactful Advocacy and 2025 Priorities

2024 HIGHLIGHTS

In 2024, AARP Virgin Islands championed transformative policies and programs to enhance the lives of older adults across the territory. Through tireless advocacy and collaboration with community leaders, legislators, and government agencies, AARP VI delivered meaningful wins in multiple areas including reestablishment of the Commission on Aging, introducing the Uniform Guardianship Act (UGCOPPA), and building a powerful coalition to strengthen laws on elder abuse.

Among the legislation recently signed into law by Governor Albert Bryan, AARP VI is pleased with key bills that bring address healthcare and livability in the Territory, namely, the Virgin Islands Prescription Drug Monitoring Program; Bill N05-0224 which expands behavioral health services with a mobile crisis intervention team; and The Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan.

CAREGIVING
Modernize Guardianship Laws. Introduced the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act (UGCOPAA) to ensure a more compassionate and effective guardianship system in the Virgin Islands.

Promote Equitable Aging. Reestablished and mobilized the Commission on Aging, a critical advocacy organization established to ensure policies that promote needs and concerns of seniors are prioritized. critical advocacy organization for seniors, ensuring their needs and concerns are prioritized in policy and service delivery across the Territory
Reform Elder Abuse Prevention. Built a powerful coalition to upgrade the anti-elder abuse law and strengthen protections for older adults against abuse.
HEALTHCARE
Increased Healthcare Accessibility. Secured the Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program, bringing vital healthcare services directly to the homes of older Virgin Islanders.
Enhanced Patient Safety. Passage of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, protecting residents from medication misuse and improving overall safety.
Expansion of behavioral health services with a mobile crisis intervention team and the 9-8-8 mental health hotline.

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
Affordable Housing Solutions: Convened an Age-Friendly Housing Summit along with dozens of community partners across the Virgin Islands. Explored strategies to create accessible and affordable housing options for seniors.
Adoption of the 2024 Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan which offers prospective solutions to housing, environmental, and infrastructure challenges.

LOOKING AHEAD – PRIORITIES FOR 2025

AARP Virgin Islands remains steadfast in its mission to address the evolving needs of our aging population. Key priorities for 2025 include:
- Expand support for family caregivers; including financial assistance and certified Medicare nursing home options.
- Drive probate reform to reduce the burdensome complexity on families.
- Advance fraud prevention education in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice, and the Department of Licensing and Consumer.
- Advocate for affordable, accessible housing that promotes aging in place.
- Introduce a territory-wide retirement savings program to empower Virgin Islanders to secure their financial futures.

Let’s create meaningful change

AARP Virgin Islands calls on community members, partners, and legislators to join us in this vital work. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for older adults in our territory. We encourage our community to partners with us to shape solutions and policies that make the Virgin Islands a more livable place for all.

When all Virgin Islanders thrive, our Territory prospers.