Oct. 21, 2007 — With the presentation of a check to the Virgin Islands Cardiac Center, a $24 million facility slated to open next year, the American Legion Auxiliary became the first civic organization “With a Heart.”
The $1,000 donation was presented to Rashidi Clenance, public relations officer for Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital, at the organizations’ regular meeting Saturday at the St. Gerard’s Hall in Frederiksted.
Emily Tranberg, president of the American Legion Auxiliary Bromley Berkley Unit No. 133, made the presentation on behalf of the members.
“It is with great pleasure I donate this check,” said Tranberg. “This is something that is here for us to use so we don’t have to go off island to get treatment.” Tranberg mentioned that when her husband, Otto, had a heart attack he had to go off island.
The "With a Heart" initiative was launched recently by the hospital to raise funds for the cardiac center. The center will provide state-of-the-art cardiac services and interventions to residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands and nearby Caribbean islands
Clenance said once the center is open, residents and persons from all over the Caribbean can have quality heart care on St. Croix.
“We have first-class doctors now, and soon we will have a first-class facility,” said Clenance.
The cardiac center broke ground in May 2006 and is scheduled to open in the spring of 2008. The project consists of three levels totaling 25,000 square feet. The two upper levels will be dedicated to patient care, and will connect to the main hospital building via an enclosed walkway. A helipad on the roof will allow for transporting patients from off island.
The new facility will encompass an entire strategy for cardiovascular care, from diagnostic to intervention according to hospital officials.
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