In a concerted effort to address men’s health issues in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cancer Support VI (CSVI) has initiated a comprehensive month-long campaign titled “Community Outreach & Collaboration for Men’s Health: Advocacy. Awareness. Action.” Launched on June 5, 2025, the campaign aims to raise awareness about cancers that predominantly affect men, promote early detection, and enhance access to care. A significant component of the initiative is a $12,500 matching challenge, encouraging community contributions to double the impact of donations.
The matching challenge is supported by local businesses J. Benton Construction and Baker Magras & Associates, along with an anonymous donor. The goal is to raise a total of $25,000 throughout June, with every dollar directly supporting patient assistance, financial aid, and educational programs within the territory. CSVI operates under a 100% model, ensuring that all funds raised remain in the U.S. Virgin Islands to assist local patients and their families.
“This campaign is about more than awareness — it’s about taking action and closing the empathy gap,” said CSVI Director Barb Michaud. “By reaching deeper into the community, especially into male-dominated workplaces and organizations, we’re helping men understand the importance of routine screenings and early intervention.”
Throughout June, CSVI is collaborating with the Virgin Islands Department of Health to distribute educational materials, participate in health fairs across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, and promote cancer screenings in partnership with local physicians and oncologists. The organization is also sharing survivor stories and physician spotlights across digital platforms to highlight the power of early detection and the importance of advocacy.
A key event in the campaign is “Wear BLUE Day” on Thursday, June 13, where the community is encouraged to wear blue to show support and spark conversations around men’s health. CSVI is also engaging with businesses, fraternities, civic groups, and faith-based organizations to disseminate information through trusted channels, ensuring critical health messages reach men throughout the territory.
Statistics underscore the urgency of the campaign: men are statistically less likely to seek regular medical attention, leading to later-stage cancer diagnoses and lower survival rates. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among men. Last year, CSVI provided support to 47 men battling prostate cancer, emphasizing the need for continued outreach and assistance.
Over the past two decades, CSVI has distributed over 4,500 patient grants, totaling more than $5 million, to individuals facing cancer in the Virgin Islands. The organization’s commitment to patient advocacy and financial support has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for those affected by cancer.
By fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, businesses, and community organizations, CSVI’s campaign aims to break the silence surrounding men’s health issues and empower individuals to take proactive steps toward prevention and treatment. Through education, advocacy, and action, the initiative strives to create a healthier future for men in the U.S. Virgin Islands.