In the winter, it’s common to get sick from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We are seeing a number of these viruses, along with pneumonia, spreading throughout our local communities. You can take important steps to help protect against respiratory diseases, including staying up to date on vaccines, practicing good hygiene, and taking steps for cleaner air. 

• Stay up to date with all recommended vaccinations. Consult your healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for you. 
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow. 
• Wash hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% ethanol) can be used if soap and water are not available. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Improve ventilation when indoors as much as possible. 
• Clean surfaces that are touched often (i.e., doorknobs, doorplates, faucet handles, etc.). Clean and disinfect your home or workplace regularly. 
• Stay home and away from others if you are sick with symptoms of a respiratory virus. 
  • People who have been sick can return to their normal activities when BOTH of the following are true for at least 24 hours: 
    • Their symptoms are getting better overall and 
    • They have no fever and are not using fever-reducing medication.
  • Once people resume their normal activities, they may still be contagious and are encouraged to take added precautions for the next five days. These include wearing a well-fitting mask around others, practicing good hand and respiratory hygiene, and taking steps for cleaner air.

Learn more about illness prevention on the VDH website. To see current respiratory illness trends and data, visit the VDH Respiratory Illness Dashboard.  

We started the year by teaming up with our Core Group partners – Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and UVA Health – to carefully plan our approach to this year’s Community Health Assessment. From May to August, we hit the ground running in Nelson County, going door-to-door to hear from residents. Then, we formed a Steering Committee of local agencies and organizations. In the final stretch of the year, we focused on listening: hosting focus groups, conducting key interviews, and gathering feedback through online surveys. 

Thanks to our incredible community partners - including Birth Sisters of Charlottesville, CHRA, Cville Tulips, Feeding Greene, Fluvanna Leaders for Race & Diversity, The Fountain Fund, Greene Care Clinic, IRC, Latino Health Initiative, Out and About Charlottesville, PACEM, BRHD staff, and Sentara Martha Jefferson’s Community Health Team - we connected with 365 residents in person and heard from over 700 more online. 

What’s Next? We’re moving into phase two! From January to April, the Steering Committee and Core Group will set health priorities for 2025, launch a Photo Voice project with local youth, and design a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). We’ll also host focus groups to brainstorm initiatives for improving health in the health priority areas. The final report will be completed in May and published by September. We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey so far. 

Want to Get Involved? This spring, we’ll be host one more round of focus groups, and we’d love to hear from you! Participants will receive a $25 Food Lion gift card as a thank-you. Keep an eye out for sign-up info and start thinking about ideas you’d like to share to improve community health. 

Have questions about MAPP2Health or want to learn more? Contact Jen Fleisher, CHA/CHIP Program Officer, at jennifer.fleisher@vdh.virginia.gov. 

Monthly Rapid REVIVE! Naloxone Trainings

Free trainings and dispensing of Naloxone nasal spray used to treat suspected opioid overdoses. All are welcome. Visit the Harm Reduction webpage for more information.

• 2nd Tuesday of the month: January 14 from 3 to 4 PM at the Greene County Health Department (50 Stanard St., Stanardsville, VA) and Fluvanna County Health Department (132 Main St., Palmyra, VA)
• Monday: January 27 from 3 to 4 PM at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville, VA)
• 3rd Wednesday of the month: January 15 from 3 to 4 PM at the Louisa County Health Department (101 Woolfolk Ave. Suite 202, Louisa, VA) 
• 2nd Thursday of the month: January 9 from 3 to 4 PM at the Nelson County Health Department (1653 Thomas Nelson Hwy., Arrington, VA)

Monthly Test & Go Event

Free walk-in STI testing on a first come, first served basis until supplies run out. No insurance needed. Call 434-972-6269 for more information.

• 3rd Tuesday of the month: January 21 from 4:30 to 6 PM at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville, VA)

Monthly Community Health Worker (CHW) Office Hours

Walk-in one-on-one sessions hosted by our CHWs across the District in January through March. All are welcome. Visit the Community Health Worker webpage for more information.