Overview of Population Health
Population health is an approach to health that aims to improve the health of the entire population and to reduce health inequities among certain groups. Population health is not just the overall health of a population, but also includes the distribution of health and can include health outcomes, patterns of health determinants, and policies and interventions.
Overview of Virginia Beach Health District
Virginia Beach RevisedVirginia’s Plan for Well-Being
Virginia’s Plan for Well-Being was released in 2016 with the goal of making Virginia the healthiest state in the nation. The plan highlights specific goals and strategies on which communities can focus so the state can make measureable health improvement by 2020.
HealthyVB
HealthyVB is dedicated to creating a healthier Virginia Beach by identifying the health needs of the community and encouraging effective partnerships and collaboration. The initiative is a joint effort between the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health and several partner organizations and individuals throughout the city.
Members of the HealthyVB Steering Committee collaborate on two major efforts to improve public health in Virginia Beach.
- Conducting a Community Health Assessment (CHA) to assess the health of Virginia Beach residents and measure progress on community health improvement efforts
- Developing and implementing a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to focus and guide citywide health improvement efforts
Community Health Assessment (CHA)
Where and how we live, learn, work, and play affects our health. Understanding how these factors influence health is critical for developing the best strategies to address them. A Community Health Assessment (CHA) was completed in 2019 to identify the health-related needs and strengths of Virginia Beach.
The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health (VBDPH) invites all residents of Virginia Beach to provide feedback on our 2019 Community Health Assessment. Your contribution is vital in helping VBDPH and its community partners identify health care needs, improve access to health care services, and enhance the care provided in the communities that we serve. Please partner with us to build healthier communities by getting involved in this important effort.
If you would like to submit written comments, questions or other feedback about the 2019 Community Health Assessment, please send your request to vb_health@vdh.virginia.gov.
Download the Virginia Beach Community Health Assessment Infographic
Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is an action-oriented plan created to make the Virginia Beach community a healthier place to live. In partnership with HealthyVB, the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health led the development of the CHIP over the period of January-July 2017, using the key findings from the CHA, which included qualitative data from focus groups as well as quantitative data from local, state and national indicators to inform discussions and determine health priority areas.
The CHIP lays the foundation for addressing some of the most challenging public health issues facing the city of Virginia Beach. Solving complex societal and health problems—like poverty or obesity—does not happen overnight. It requires strategic planning and the broad support of the community to make progress incrementally. Virginia Beach’s CHIP includes action plans for four health issues that were identified through the CHA process and later prioritized by the HealthyVB Steering Committee.
The four priority issues included in the CHIP are:
- Access to Health Services
- Healthy Behaviors
- Mental Health
- Healthy Aging
Each issue has goals, objectives, and key actions that will be implemented to promote optimal health and well-being for all who live, work, and play in the Virginia Beach community.
To view the current status of our CHIP, please click on the links below to access the quarterly progress reports:
CHIP Progress Report_1st Quarter
CHIP Progress Report_2nd Quarter
CHIP Progress Report 3rd Quarter
CHIP Progress Report 4th Quarter
Sources for Community Health Data
Data can be a catalyst for improving community health and well-being. The following resources provides access to national, state, and local health indicators.
Greater Hampton Roads Community Indicators Dashboard
The Greater Hampton Roads Community Indicators Dashboard measures factors that most significantly impact our region’s quality of life. The dashboard allows you search, visualize, compare and share data on both health outcomes and the social determinants that drive health and wellness.
Virginia Department of Health Data Portal
The Virginia Department of Health Data Portal is a comprehensive source for community health assessment, public, and population health data. The portal provides interactive data at the most granular level available.
Did You Know?
Did You Know? is a weekly feature from CDC that strives to move data and evidence-based recommendations into action. Did You Know? is designed to provide public health professionals with timely, usable news and information in a quick and simple format to inform public health prevention activities. We invite you to read, share, and take action!
Community Event & Education Requests
The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health partners with local organizations on health fairs and community events as part of our commitment to help improve the quality of life in our community by encouraging individuals to take charge of their health through education and awareness.
If you would like to invite VBDPH to participate in your upcoming health or wellness event, please fill out the following form and return it (as directed on the form) at least four (4) weeks prior to your event. Thank you!
Community Event & Education Request Form