The MAPP2Health Community Health Assessment (CHA) is officially underway!

This 18-month process is a collaborative effort led by the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD), Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, and UVA Health. Through partnerships with community organizations, MAPP2Health develops a plan to reduce health disparities and bring that plan to life – ensuring that all District residents have access to the resources and opportunities they need to live their healthiest lives. 

We need YOU to be a part of this important process! Here’s how you can get involved: 

1. Your Voice. Your Priorities: Take the Community Health Survey 

• An anonymous and confidential online survey open to everyone who lives in Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson ages 18 years and older.
• Take the Community Health Survey in English
• Conteste la encuesta comunitaria en español

2. Let's Talk About Health: Join a Focus Group 

• Starting in October, we’re hosting focus groups to gather deeper insights from community members. Sessions will be held virtually or in-person, for 1 hour each, between 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday, and on select Saturday mornings. 
• Why Participate? 
• Share Your Perspective: Help us understand the needs of community members who often go unheard. 
• Receive a $25 Food Lion Gift Certificate: As a token of our appreciation for your time and input. 
• Interested? Complete the Focus Group Interest Form and we’ll reach out in late September to confirm your participation. 
• Focus Group Interest Form in English
• Formulario de interés del grupo de enfoque en español

3. We Value Your Expertise: Take the Stakeholder Survey 

• We want to hear from leaders, staff members, and officials from organizations, coalitions, agencies, and community groups working directly with the community. 
• Stakeholder Survey in English

For any questions or additional information, please feel contact Jen Fleisher, CHA/CHIP Program Officer at BlueRidgeHD@vdh.virginia.gov. Thank you! 

MicroCAT: Another Way to Get Around Town!

You’re probably familiar with Charlottesville Area Transit (or CAT for short), but have you heard of their new sister program? MicroCAT is an on-demand public rideshare service for trips around select areas of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. When you’re ready to go, you can book a shared ride straight from your phone and get picked up in a sleek, comfortable vehicle. Commute, run errands, or get just about anywhere you need without breaking the bank.  

How much does it cost? 

All MicroCAT rides are 100% fare-free! 

When does MicroCAT run?  

Monday through Saturday from 6:30am to 9pm. 

Does MicroCAT pick up wheelchair users?  

Yes! Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available. 

Do I have to own a smartphone to ride? 

Nope! You can also reserve a ride by calling 434-442-2466.  

Visit the MicroCAT website for instructions on how to download the app and start riding. 

Free Test Strips at your Local Health Department

Did you know that you can get free testing strips for fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and/or xylazine at any of our local health departments? Each type of testing strip can be used to test injectable drugs, powders, or pills. Supplies are available at no charge to anyone using unregulated drugs that needs to determine whether fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and/or xylazine is present. Family and friends of someone using drugs can also obtain these strips at no cost.  

Check our health department locations and schedules to find the office closest to you. For more information about testing strips and other resources, visit our Harm Reduction webpage. 

Labor Day Closure

All BRHD Offices will be closed on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. We will resume normal operations on Tuesday, September 3 at 8:00am.

Meet the BRHD Team!

We are so thankful for each and every person who has chosen to be part of the BRHD team! That’s one reason we’ve been so excited to introduce them to you, one by one, in our Employee Highlight. This week, we hope you enjoy meeting Desiree Bergman, WIC Nutrition Associate at BRHD! 

When did you start working at BRHD? 

In April 2016, I started as a contractor with Louisa County’s Health Services team, and soon became a classified, full-time employee as Lab Tech Senior in September 2016. In 2019, I began my work journey in WIC! 

How would you describe your job? 

As a nutritionist associate, I work with families ensuring that they get a healthy start in life and counsel them on making healthy food choices for their families. I also help make referrals to resources that families may benefit from. A “Jack of All WIC Trades” you might say!

Who are you outside of BRHD? 

Outside of work I stay busy with my 2 younger kiddos that still live at home, so you may catch me at CHS on the ball field or at a football or basketball game because my girls play softball and are varsity cheerleaders- Go BlackKnights! I enjoy time with my family and most certainly enjoy a good book and a great glass of wine! I also have 2 miniature dachshunds- Lillie and Lola.    

Favorite part of working at BRHD?

My favorite part of working here at BRHD is meeting new people, learning all the things that go on here at BRHD, and the work we all put in to make our community a healthier and better place to live!