Tag: community health improvement plan

RHHD Announces 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan  

May 18, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

 

RHHD Announces 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan 

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) announce the release of the Richmond City and Henrico County 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The CHIP is a roadmap for improving the health and well-being of our community.

“We continue to work across Richmond City and Henrico County to ensure residents have access to resources and opportunities they need to live healthy, safe, and well,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Population Health Manager Tamara Jones-Groves. “We express gratitude for the community members and partner organizations joining us on this shared path forward.”

RHHD developed the health improvement plan using the findings of the 2024 Richmond City and Henrico County Community Health Assessment (CHA). It focuses on the following priority areas:

  • Chronic Disease
  • Community Safety & Violence Prevention
  • Mental Health (Including Substance Use Disorder)

The CHIP established goals for each priority area, including:

  • Expanding community blood pressure monitoring efforts and heart health education
  • Expanding access to nutritious foods
  • Supporting Vision Zero Task Force Initiatives to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries
  • Strengthening partnerships with organizations that address domestic violence
  • Increasing access to youth and adult mental health resources
  • Addressing substance use-related harms

Many of these goals align with the obesity, mental health, and substance use priorities of Virginia’s Plan for Well-Being.

RHHD partners with local healthcare systems, community-based organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and community members. Together, these partners developed strategies grounded in evidence-based practices with an emphasis on sustainability and equity. The CHIP will be updated once a year and an annual report will be shared. To support CHIP efforts, contact Caroline Best at Caroline.Best@vdh.virginia.gov.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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Now Available: 2025-2029 Goochland County Community Health Improvement Plan

August 22, 2025

Media Contact: Caitlin Hodge, Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov

Now Available: 2025-2029 Goochland County Community Health Improvement Plan

Goochland, Va. – The Chickahominy Health District, along with several partner organizations, are pleased to announce the release of the 2025-2029 Goochland County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The plan was developed to address the following priority areas with actionable goals and strategies for improving health in Goochland County:

  • Older Adult Support and Services
  • Mental Health
  • Attainable and Safe Housing

“We’re thankful for all the support from those who contributed to this plan,” stated Amelia Swafford, Community Health Coordinator for the Chickahominy Health District. “We are excited to work closely with county partners and community members to advance Goochland’s health and wellbeing!”

The CHIP is a five-year plan that supports and tracks the work of local organizations—including government, healthcare, schools, and non-profits—as they tackle population health priorities. It is based on the 2024 Goochland County Community Health Assessment (CHA).

Please consider emailing the Chickahominy Health District’s Community Health Team to get involved and/or provide comments on the report: CHDWellness@vdh.virginia.gov. The Goochland County CHA and CHIP can be viewed online here: www.vdh.virginia.gov/chickahominy/community-health-assessment/.

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Rappahannock Area Health District and Mary Washington Healthcare Release 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan

August 5, 2025
RAHD Media Contact: Erin Perkins, Erin.Perkins@vdh.virginia.gov
MWHC Media Contact: Tamra Wheeler, Tamra.Wheeler@mwhc.com

Rappahannock Area Health District and Mary Washington Healthcare Release 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan
New Plan Features 88 Strategies from 35 Organizations to Address Behavioral Health, Housing, and Healthcare Access

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) and the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) announce the release of the 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The CHIP focuses on the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford and the City of Fredericksburg.

This comprehensive plan tackles some of the region’s most pressing health concerns:

  • Behavioral Health,
  • Housing, and
  • Access to Healthcare.

A year-long effort, the CHIP was developed through research, collaboration and strategic planning. The CHIP is an action-oriented document based on the findings of the Community Health Assessment (CHA). Released in April, the CHA examined a variety of data sources to understand key health needs. The community then selected the top three health needs, which are addressed in the CHIP.

“We are deeply grateful to all the community members and partners who dedicated their time and expertise to this effort,” said Rappahannock Area Health District Director Olugbenga Obasanjo, M.D. “This initiative helps to modernize public health practice by ensuring collaboration of cross sector partnerships and utilizing of data to create a roadmap with the potential to drive real, lasting improvements in the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Compared to previous years, the 2025-2028 CHIP is significantly more robust. It contains 88 strategies contributed by 35 community organizations. The updated format also reflects a stronger emphasis on measurable outcomes. This new CHIP has indicators to track progress and ensure accountability.

“The Community Health Improvement Plan is the result of a truly collaborative effort, shaped by dozens of local organizations – from government agencies and healthcare providers to schools and nonprofits. This plan reflects our shared commitment to a healthier community,” said MWHC Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Xavier Richardson. “It is exciting to see how broadly the CHA and CHIP are used across the community to guide programs, inform policy, and spark lasting change.”

The CHIP serves as both a strategic guide and a living document. It will evolve in response to emerging needs and community feedback. The plan establishes clear priorities and cross-sector collaboration. It sets the stage for meaningful, measurable change over the coming years.

The full plan can be viewed on the RAHD website  or on the MWHC website.

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Now Available: 2025-2029 Hanover County Community Health Improvement Plan

June 18, 2025 

Media Contact: Caitlin Hodge, Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov 

 

 Now Available: 2025-2029 Hanover County Community Health Improvement Plan 

 

Ashland, Va. – The Chickahominy Health District, along with several partner organizations, is pleased to announce the release of the 2025-2029 Hanover County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The plan was developed to address the following priority areas with actionable goals and strategies for improving health in Hanover County: 

 

  1. Healthy Eating and Food Security 
  1. Youth Mental Health 
  1. Affordable, Safe and Available Housing 

 

“The CHIP is a great example of how partners can work together to improve health and strengthen collaboration in our community,” stated Emily Hines, Population Health Planning and Improvement Coordinator for the Chickahominy Health District. “Thank you to everyone who gave their time and feedback, and who will lead strategies within the plan.” 

 

The CHIP is a five-year plan that supports and tracks the work of local organizations – including government, healthcare, schools, and non-profits – as they tackle population health priorities. It is based on the 2023-2024 Hanover County Community Health Assessment.  

 

Please consider emailing the Chickahominy Health District’s Community Health Team to get involved and/or provide comments on the CHIP: CHDWellness@vdh.virginia.gov. The Hanover County CHA and CHIP can be viewed online here: www.vdh.virginia.gov/chickahominy/community-health-assessment/. 

  

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2025 Rappahannock Area Health District Community Health Assessment Released

April 7, 2025
RAHD Media Contact: Allison Balmes-John, Allison.Balmes@vdh.virginia.gov
MWHC Media Contact: Eric Fletcher, Eric.Fletcher@mwhc.com

2025 Rappahannock Area Health District Community Health Assessment Released
Community Health Improvement Planning Process Begins

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The final version of the 2025 Community Health Assessment for the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford and the City of Fredericksburg is now available. The assessment examined multiple data sources to better understand key issues, who may be most affected by these issues, and available resources to act.

The assessment identified five key health issues facing the region (listed in alphabetical order):

  • Aging-related concerns
  • Behavioral health
  • Healthcare utilization and access
  • Physical activity and healthy eating
  • Social determinants of health

The full report is available at www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock/.

With the assessment complete, the project now moves into developing a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). In this planning phase, the Rappahannock Area Health District, Mary Washington Healthcare and other community-based organizations will work together to set goals and commit to strategies to improve the key issues.

The first meeting to develop the CHIP will take place on Thursday, April 10 from 11-12:30 p.m. at the John F. Fick III Conference Center, located at 1301 Sam Perry Blvd. in Fredericksburg. The meeting is open to community members, and registration is available at  forms.office.com/g/m6XvKyHrvm

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Rappahannock Area Health District and Mary Washington Healthcare Announce Release of 2025 CHA Findings for Community Comment

March 13, 2025
RAHD Media Contact: Allison Balmes-John, Allison.Balmes@vdh.virginia.gov
MWHC Media Contact: Eric Fletcher, Eric.Fletcher@mwhc.com

Rappahannock Area Health District and Mary Washington Healthcare Announce Release of 2025 CHA Findings for Community Comment

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) and Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) are excited to share the initial draft of the 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA) for community feedback. The CHA provides a thorough examination of community health needs and identifies resources to address those needs. This assessment covers the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.

The draft report is also available at www.virginia.gov/rappahannock and is open to public comment through Thursday, March 27.

Residents are also invited to attend one of two upcoming sessions to learn more about the findings and to provide feedback:

  • Wednesday, March 19 from 8:30-10 a.m. at the John F. Fick III Conference Center, 1301 Sam Perry Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA
  • Monday, March 24 from 12-1 p.m., online at https://tinyurl.com/RAHD-MWHC-Mar24

Registration is encouraged and can be found at  https://forms.office.com/g/CNStT2Cpw2.

“Our health is not just an individual matter—it is shaped by the entire wellbeing of the community,” said RAHD Health Director Olugbenga Obasanjo, M.D. “To understand health in our community requires not just looking at statistics and health records but talking directly to the community about their experiences. We pride ourselves on completing a robust assessment of health in our area and look forward to working with our partners on key issues identified.”

A final, formalized report will be released in early April, at which point the CHA findings will be used to develop an updated Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Announce 2024 Community Health Assessment Results 

October 31, 2024
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov, 804-807-1727

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Announce 2024 Community Health Assessment Results

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) announce the results of its 2024 Community Health Assessment (CHA). RHHD worked closely with healthcare professionals, partner organizations, subject matter experts, and residents across our neighborhoods to conduct the CHA. The CHA survey asked respondents what is and is not going well in their communities, as well as what health issues concern them most.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to community members and partners for providing a picture of the health status in our community,” said Richmond and Henrico Population Health Manager Tamara Jones. “We heard from a diverse range of voices, including those who are often underserved and underrepresented. What we learn from Community Health Assessment will make Richmond and Henrico healthier and more equitable places to live, work, and play.”

“Listening to the community is about more than learning what’s wrong,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Community Health Assessment Coordinator Jasmine Carmichael. “It’s about listening to the great ideas for change and progress each of us has when it comes to our neighborhoods. Institutions have a greater impact when they involve community members in decisions about their programs.”

When asked “What is going well in your community?” respondents identified school systems, access to places of worship, and public transportation. Respondents identified violence as an aspect of community life that is not going well. The health issues that respondents are most concerned about include violence, chronic health conditions, and mental health. Community members can view the full CHA results on the RHHD website.

RHHD’s CHA Steering Committee has evaluated the survey results along with other data about health and well-being in Richmond and Henrico communities and has identified three priority areas to be addressed in the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP):

  1. Mental Health, including Substance Use Disorder
  2. Community Safety and Violence Prevention
  3. Chronic Diseases

Community members who would like to participate on the CHIP steering committee for one of the three priority areas can sign up using this link. RHHD encourages people interested in staying up to date on the CHIP process to subscribe to RHHD’s newsletter.

Richmond and Henrico residents between the ages of 18 and 88 responded to the survey (465 from Henrico and 661 from Richmond). RHHD collected demographic data on respondents’ gender identities or sexual orientations, income, geographic location, experience of illness or disability, and language background, ensuring that the CHA survey data reflects Richmond and Henrico’s diversity.

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Release of the Charles City County 2024-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan

July 10, 2024
Media Contact: Caitlin Hodge, Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov

Release of the Charles City County 2024-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan

CHARLES CITY, Va. – The Chickahominy Health District (CHD) and Charles City County Steering Committee are excited to announce the release of the Charles City County 2024-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). This plan aims to address the following priority areas with actionable goals and strategies for improving health in the county:

  • Healthcare Access and Quality
  • Economic Stability, Infrastructure, and Workplace Development
  • Childhood Health and Education

“A Community Health Improvement Plan is a great example of collaboration and teamwork. We had many partners coming together with the shared goals of wellness and resilience for Charles City County,” said Emily Hines, population health planning and improvement coordinator for Chickahominy Health District. “Thank you to all who contributed – whether you’re leading a key strategy within the action plan, you’ve attended our meetings to provide feedback and ideas, or you’re helping to share this report with your community members – we are truly grateful for your efforts.”

The CHIP is a five-year plan that will guide collaborative efforts to address the priority areas with partners in healthcare, schools, nonprofit organizations, and local government. This CHIP is based on the findings of the 2023 Charles City County Community Health Assessment (CHA).

The Charles City CHA and CHIP can be viewed online at: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/chickahominy/community-health-assessment/. Please consider contacting CHD’s Community Health Team to provide comments on the CHIP by emailing: CHDWellness@vdh.virginia.gov.

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Pittsylvania-Danville Health and Southside Health Districts Conduct Meeting to Recognize and Educate Staff

May 9, 2024
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, PIO, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health and Southside Health Districts Conduct Meeting to Recognize and Educate Staff

CHATHAM, Va.– The Pittsylvania-Danville (PDHD) and Southside (SSHD) Health Districts held an All Staff Meeting on April 19, at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Chatham, VA. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Scott Spillmann, director of the two health districts.

During one of the sessions, Dr. Spillmann gave an overview of the Robert W. Johnson County Health Rankings. The County Health Rankings is a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI). Through this data, counties within each state are ranked on more than 30 health factors such as education, jobs, and access to quality health care.

Population Health Manager Brenna Link discussed the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) processes. The CHA is an examination of the health status of the community that is used to identify key health issues and assets within the community. Based on the data discovered in the CHA, a collaborative plan (CHIP) brings multiple local organizations/groups and residents together to develop an action plan for the community.

To further educate the group, special guest Phil Hysell, science and operations officer with the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va., gave a presentation on dangerous weather conditions, which included identification of various thunderstorm and cloud types.

Additional topics covered during the meeting included a staff health and wellness session presented by Kelsey Jones of CommonHealth Virginia. The health district’s Business Manager, Krystal Davis, covered a variety of employee engagement topics, including various updates scheduled for the facilities to enhance the work environments at both health district offices.

Several team building exercises were conducted during the day, including staff forming small groups to move stacks of Solo cups into a six-cup pyramid shape using a grappler tool made from a string and rubber band.

Other special guests included: Susan Fischer Davis, M.D., chief deputy commissioner for community health services; Michael Kalson, district senior HR manager; Christina Niblett, regional HR business partner; Brookie Crawford, central region public information officer (PIO) and Linda Scarborough, western region PIO.

Also recognized during the event was Tracy Corns, BSN, RN. Tracy’s compassion and expertise helped comfort an individual who needed emergency medical attention. Recently, Tracy was leaving the Department of Social Services (DSS) to return to the health department office. She saw a man walking towards the building who she thought appeared to look ill. As he was headed into the DSS building, Tracy held the door for him and asked how he was feeling. While he thought he might be having a heart attack, he refused to let Tracy contact 911. She advised DSS to watch for any deteriorating symptoms which may require medical assistance. He later returned to the health department to ask for Tracy to call 911. As they waited for the ambulance to arrive, Tracy took his vitals and continued to comfort the man.  Once the medical personnel arrived, the electrocardiogram indicated that he was having a heart attack, and he was transported to the hospital. Tracy was presented with a certificate of recognition during the staff meeting for her keen observation and her compassion to readily assist someone faced with a dire medical emergency.

Both PDHD and SSHD offer a variety of community health services to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles and protect our community from environmental and other hazards. You can learn more about these services on PDHD or SSHD websites.

Release of the 2023-2027 New Kent County Community Health Improvement Plan

May 1, 2023
Media Contact: Caitlin Hodge, Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov

Release of the 2023-2027 New Kent County Community Health Improvement Plan

NEW KENT, Va. – The Chickahominy Health District and the New Kent County Steering Committee are pleased to announce the release of the 2023-2027 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The plan was developed to address the following three priority areas with actionable goals and strategies for improving health in New Kent County:

1) Mental Health and Substance Use (including nicotine and alcohol)
2) Healthcare Access and Quality
3) Affordable and Safe Housing

“The CHIP is a fantastic example of partners working together to make the community healthier and more resilient,” said Emily Hines, population health planning and improvement coordinator for the Chickahominy Health District. “Thank you to all who provided feedback on strategies, agreed to be a lead organization within the action plan, and attended meetings over the last year.”

The CHIP is a five-year plan that will guide collaborative efforts in addressing the priority areas with partners in local government, healthcare, schools, and non-profit organizations. The CHIP is based on the findings of the 2022 New Kent County Community Health Assessment (CHA).

Please consider emailing the Chickahominy Health District’s Community Health Team to get involved and/or provide comments on the CHIP: CHDWellness@vdh.virginia.gov. The New Kent CHA and CHIP can be viewed online at www.vdh.virginia.gov/chickahominy/community-health-assessment/.

 

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