BRHD is Transitioning to a New Newsletter Platform: GovDelivery

We started using this Constant Contact newsletter platform four years ago when COVID-19 first impacted our community. We are excited to announce that we are now moving to a new newsletter platform, GovDelivery. This new platform will offer enhanced security and a more efficient method of delivering our messages to you – say goodbye to finding us in the Spam folder!  

As we make this switch, our top priorities are a smooth transition and enhanced experience for you, our readers. Starting in October, we will send only one monthly newsletter on the first Friday of each month. 

Our first GovDelivery newsletter will arrive in your email inbox on Friday, October 4, 2024, sent from vdh@public.govdelivery.com. No action is needed at this time- just keep an eye out for us on October 4!

Thank you for being a part of our BRHD online community and we look forward to providing you with more helpful public health information. 

Free Flu Vaccine Clinics

The 2024-2025 influenza (flu) season is quickly approaching! What does this mean for you? It’s time to get your annual flu shot! BRHD is hosting a limited series of free flu vaccine clinics this fall. Flu shots are available for everyone ages 3 years and older. There will be a limited supply of flu shots at each event, and they will be offered first come, first served on a walk-in basis (no appointments). We will not have the high dose flu vaccines at these events. 

The full list of these free flu shot clinics can be found on 2024-25 Fall Flu Vaccine Clinic webpage. 

If you miss one of our free clinics, you can schedule an appointment for a vaccine (at cost) during one of BRHD’s regular immunization clinics throughout the fall and winter. Along with local health departments, the majority of pharmacies, grocery stores, and healthcare providers are offering flu vaccines. 

Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 this fall and winter. It’s recommended that people get the latest vaccine this fall regardless of whether or not they have ever received a COVID-19 vaccine. 



While BRHD hasn’t received our shipment of COVID-19 vaccines yet, many local pharmacies and healthcare providers have already received and begun administering COVID-19 vaccines. Please reach out to your local pharmacy or healthcare provider to get information about their vaccine options. We will update our BRHD website and include information in future newsletters when COVID-19 vaccines become available at local health departments. 

It’s important to keep in mind that getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer, more reliable way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19. People who recently had COVID-19 may delay getting the latest vaccine for up to three months. Learn more about the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Harm Reduction Supplies & Resources Event

Do you need to stock up on harm reduction supplies? Our team has got you covered! We’re hosting a Free Harm Reduction Resource Restock event on Monday, September 30 from 4:30 to 6:00 PM outside the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department at Door #3 (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville, VA). Everyone is welcome, and no appointments are required. We will have the following free supplies available: 

• Naloxone 
• Fentanyl, benzodiazepine, and xylazine testing strips 
• Lock boxes (limited supply) 
• Medication disposal bags 

Free Naloxone Rapid REVIVE! training will also be offered during the event. Check out our Harm Reduction webpage for additional details.  

CHW Office Hours

BRHD Community Health Workers (CHWs) are hosting Office Hours twice a month during September through December.



All are welcome to stop by and meet with their county’s CHW one on one. No appointments needed! Some of the services offered during Office Hours include:   

• Health education 
• Referrals to local resources and programs 
• Free portable cribs and car/booster seats (eligibility required) 

And more! Visit our CHW webpage for the full schedule.

CHA Update

Share your unique perspective to help make change to the health of your community! 

Starting in October, we are hosting up to 21 focus groups through the end of 2024. We want to hear from you about the challenges that make it hard to stay healthy. These one-hour focus groups will be held both in person and virtually, and every participant will receive a $25 Food Lion gift card.  

Focus Group Details: 

• Sessions will be held virtually or in person, starting in October. Focus group participants will decide the best location. 
• Focus groups are currently planned between the hours of 4:00–8:00 pm weekdays, and 10:00am–12:00pm on Saturdays. 
• Each focus group will last 1 hour. 
• Participants will get a $25 Food Lion gift card for their time. 

We invite you to complete this focus group form if you are interested in participating and sharing your thoughts in a safe, confidential focus group. 

Meet the BRHD Team!

Around here, it takes a village to keep you healthy! That’s why we are so thankful to have an amazing team, as well as the chance to introduce you to each of them in our Employee Highlight series! This week, meet Dr. Kenneth Gordon, BRHD District Epidemiologist. 

When did you start working at BRHD? 

August 2020

How would you describe your job? 

I actively review the Virginia Electronic Disease Surveillance System (VEDSS) data management system for health events that require investigation and work with our epidemiology team to determine priorities to keep everyone involved as healthy as possible. I also answer and respond to calls from high-risk institutions and work with them to navigate public health concerns. I also collaborate with our Environmental Health team and Public Health Nurses, as well as other healthcare providers, throughout the District, on case investigations.

Who are you outside of BRHD? 

I am an avid sports (soccer and cricket are my favorite) fan! I love eating sugar cane and spending time in the kitchen. I love taking nature walks and sharing inspirational thoughts with people.

Favorite part of working at BRHD?

My favorite thing about BRHD is its diverse make up of talent and the willingness of the team to pull together in response to emerging situations, ensuring our efforts are successful!