Tag: mrhd

Mount Rogers Health District Highlights Achievements in 2024 Annual Report

January 30, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, 276-781-7450

Mount Rogers Health District Highlights Achievements in 2024 Annual Report

MARION, Va. – The Mount Rogers Health District (MRHD) has unveiled its 2024 Annual Report, spotlighting a year of significant progress in improving community health and well-being across its eight localities. The report underscores the district’s ongoing commitment to addressing pressing public health challenges while fostering collaboration with community partners.

The report highlights a range of clinical achievements, including the administration of more than 7,000 immunizations, which played a critical role in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Through the Every Woman’s Life program, 173 women received essential screenings for breast and cervical cancer, offering life-saving early detection. Additionally, the Oral Health program expanded its reach to over 1,100 students, a nearly 200% increase from the previous year. These efforts reflect MRHD’s focus on equitable access to preventive healthcare services.

In response to the opioid epidemic, MRHD made substantial strides in substance use disorder prevention. The district’s REVIVE! training educated over 810 participants on recognizing and responding to overdoses, while more than 1,800 doses of naloxone were distributed to those in need. Comprehensive Harm Reduction services, which support individuals at high risk of overdose, reached 578 participants, offering life-saving resources and a pathway to recovery.

Emergency preparedness efforts were another cornerstone of MRHD’s work in 2024. The district earned the prestigious Project Public Health Ready designation, highlighting its robust readiness to address public health emergencies. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers contributed over 970 hours of service, providing critical support during both emergency and non-emergency events. Training initiatives, such as CPR and Stop the Bleed programs, equipped community members with essential skills to save lives in critical situations.

Programs supporting family and child health also made a significant impact. The BabyCare program conducted over 1,400 home visits, offering personalized support to 225 mothers and infants. Meanwhile, the Child Safety program provided 309 free car seats, accompanied by hands-on education, to families across the district. These initiatives underscore MRHD’s dedication to nurturing the health and safety of future generations.

MRHD also conducted a comprehensive Community Health Assessment (CHA) across its eight localities, gathering feedback from over 1,600 residents. This process identified key health priorities, including mental health, obesity, substance use disorders, and access to care, which will shape the district’s future strategic planning and health improvement efforts.

Promoting health equity remained a central focus throughout 2024. The district launched a Spanish-language phone line to improve access for non-English-speaking residents, handling over 100 calls since its inception. The health equity team also attended more than 70 community events, ensuring resources and services reached underserved populations.

Health Director Dr. Meagan Helmick reflected on the district’s accomplishments: “The 2024 Annual Report demonstrates Mount Rogers Health District’s steadfast dedication to protecting and promoting the health of our communities. From addressing the opioid epidemic to enhancing emergency preparedness, our team continues to respond to the evolving needs of our residents.”

For the full Annual Report or more information about MRHD services, visit the district’s website at Virginia Department of Health – Mount Rogers Health District.

Mount Rogers Health District Launches Community Needs Assessment Survey

February 16, 2023
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne
Community Health Assessment Coordinator
brianne.kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov

Mount Rogers Health District Launches Community Needs Assessment Survey to Shape Future Initiatives

(MARION, Va.) — The Mount Rogers Health District (MRHD) is excited to announce the release of its Community Needs Assessment (CHA) Survey.  The CHA is a comprehensive initiative aimed at understanding the unique needs and priorities of the community. The community survey is a crucial step towards developing tailored programs and services that address the challenges and goals of the residents served by the health department.

The Mount Rogers Health District is dedicated to fostering positive change and enhancing the well-being of its community members. The insights gathered through this survey will play a pivotal role in shaping future initiatives and to ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

All adults within the community are encouraged to participate in the brief 5-minute survey, as every voice is instrumental in creating positive change. The survey can be accessed at https://redcap.link/2024MRHDSurvey and will be available until May 31, 2024. The survey is available in Spanish and English.

“I am excited for our district to embrace Public Health 3.0 as the cornerstone of our district’s efforts. We recognize that innovation, community engagement, and data-driven strategies are essential in shaping a healthier future for everyone. This is an important survey as the input received serves as the building blocks for a stronger, healthier community,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, MRHD health director.

For more information about the Community Needs Assessment Survey or MRHD, please visit the MRHD website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/mount-rogers/

Mount Rogers Health District Celebrates Progress in 2023 Annual Report

February 12, 2023
Media Contact: Meagan Helmick, PhD, MPH, CHES®
Health Director
Meagan.helmick@vdh.virginia.gov 

Mount Rogers Health District Celebrates Progress in 2023 Annual Report

(MARION, Va.) — The Mount Rogers Health District is thrilled to release its 2023 Annual Report, highlighting significant achievements in public health, with a particular emphasis on addressing substance use disorder, community outreach events, and positive outcomes in BabyCare, Family Planning, and WIC programs.

Throughout the year, the Mount Rogers Health District has worked diligently to address public health challenges, demonstrating resilience in the face of unprecedented events. The 2023 Annual Report reflects the district’s dedication to enhancing the overall well-being of residents and fostering a culture of health and wellness.

Key highlights of the 2023 Annual Report include:

  • Proactive Approach to Address Substance Use Disorder with REVIVE Training
    Through comprehensive REVIVE training programs, community members gained essential knowledge and skills to respond effectively to opioid overdoses. This initiative reflects our commitment to saving lives and fostering a community equipped to address this critical public health issue. The district provided training to over 800 individuals and dispensed more than 2,000 doses of Narcan to our community members.
  • Community Health Worker Outreach Events
    These events ranged from educational workshops to wellness fairs, creating opportunities for direct interaction with the community and facilitating meaningful conversations about health and well-being. The community health workers hosted 68 events and attended an additional 126 events.
  • Positive Outcomes in Child and Maternal Health
    The BabyCare and Family Planning programs have yielded positive outcomes, contributing to healthier pregnancies and improved family planning choices for women in the community. More than 2,000 women received family planning services at one of the eight health departments in the district.

Furthermore, more than 1,400 home visits were performed by the district’s public health nurses and more than 300 mothers and/or babies were enrolled in our BabyCare program. Mount Rogers Health District accounted for 21% of all BabyCare visits performed in Virginia. Through personalized care and education, these programs have empowered individuals and families to make informed decisions, leading to improved maternal and child health outcomes.

  • WIC Program Success
    The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program continued to play a crucial role in promoting nutrition and healthy development. By providing essential support to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, WIC has positively impacted the nutritional well-being of our community, ensuring a strong start for the next generation. More than 4,100 participants received WIC services from the health district in 2023. Additionally, $18,000 worth of Farmers Market coupons were redeemed last year.

Dr. Meagan Helmick, Director of the Mount Rogers Health District, stated, “Our 2023 Annual Report reflects the dedication of our team and the resilience of our community. By addressing substance use disorder, engaging in impactful outreach, and achieving positive child and maternal health outcomes, we are building a foundation for a healthier community.”

The 2023 Annual Report, inclusive of detailed information on these achievements, is available for review on the Mount Rogers Health District website https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/mount-rogers/.