March 28, 2017
For More Information Contact:
- Saba Lemma, Community Health Assessment Planner, 540-899-4797, Saba.Lemma@vdh.virginia.gov
“CHA-CHIP” Process Needs Community Participation for Success
(Fredericksburg, Va.)— What would improve your health and quality of life in Fredericksburg? That’s what a new survey aims to find out. Take a short online survey to give your input on health needs and issues in the community. The anonymous survey should only take 5 to 10 minutes, and is available at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock/cha-survey/.
The survey is one of the first steps in the Community Health Assessment (CHA) recently launched by the Fredericksburg City Community Health Assessment Team with the assistance of the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) and the Virginia Department of Health. The Community Health Assessment Team consists of local stakeholder organizations, the city of Fredericksburg and other community groups interested in improving the health of city residents.
The assessment will identify key assets and issues in the city of Fredericksburg. The team will use the information gathered to develop a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to address health needs and gaps with resources available in the community. Together, the CHA-CHIP process assesses the health of the community, identifies opportunities for health improvement, and implements a project to address those opportunities to make a positive difference in the community.
“We want as many people as possible to share their views and thoughts about health issues, concerns and needs in the community. This will help us develop a plan to help improve health and enhance quality of life in the city,” said Brooke Rossheim, M.D., M.P.H., health director of the Rappahannock Area Health District.
Fredericksburg residents are encouraged to participate in this assessment by taking a 5-10 minute online survey at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock/cha-survey/. The survey will be open until May 31, 2017.
For more information on the survey or the CHA-CHIP, email RAHD Community Health Assessment Planner Saba Lemma at Saba.Lemma@vdh.virginia.gov. To learn more about the Rappahannock Area Health District, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock/.