The VDH Office of Health Equity, Virginia Partners in Prayer & Prevention (VAP3) program established in late 2016 is the evolution and rebranding of Virginia’s Congregations for Million Hearts program. The initiative facilitates partnerships between marginalized communities, faith, and interfaith organizations local and state public health agencies.

VAP3’s pilot outreach effort has focused on Zika prevention through the targeted distribution of VDH approved Zika Prevention “around your home and in your community” messages. VAP3 provided a hub for public health resources, facilitated new partnerships, and provided technical assistance to empower our communities to bridge the gap between faith and health with ease. The success of this pilot provided a solid foundation to grow and expand upon the program to broaden the scope of prevention to several key public health issues impacting our communities. As a result of VAP3’s initial efforts, the VAP3 Newsletter was established, and additional programming proceeded. Virginia Partners in Prayer and Prevention Newsletter serves as a health guide and resource for all places of worship and communities of faith.