During National Public Health Week, the Blue Ridge Health District celebrates the vital work of every division that helps strengthen and protect our community.

This year’s theme, “Ready. Set. Action!”, reflects the daily efforts of our teams - from Administration, which provides the financial, operational, and technological foundation that keeps services running; to Clinical Services, which deliver essential care including immunizations, family planning, STI testing, TB management, and expanded appointment access.

Our Emergency Preparedness and Response team works year-round with partners and volunteers to plan, train, and respond to emergencies, while Environmental Health safeguards our region through regulatory oversight, rapid response to incidents, and assistance with vital services. The Epidemiology team monitors, investigates, and collaborates across sectors to identify, manage, and prevent communicable disease threats.

Meanwhile, the Population Health Division supports families through WIC services, community outreach, car seat and crib distribution, health communications, and the launch of our Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan, all while overcoming staffing and funding challenges to secure new long-term positions.

Together, these teams embody the spirit of public health - working every day, often behind the scenes, to ensure safer, healthier communities for all.

What does the health department do?

The Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) promotes and protects health where you live, work, and play. We provide services in Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson at our five local health departments and one community-based clinic.

How does BRHD create a healthy place to live?

BRHD connects people to resources, helping them make informed and healthy choices. Health department services include:

• Disease Prevention - Reduce, control, and prevent illnesses that spread from person-to-person.
• Environmental Health - Reduce foodborne illnesses by monitoring and permitting restaurants. Prevent disease by inspecting private wells and sewage disposal systems.
• Health Clinic Services - Provide vaccines, STI testing and treatment, family planning services, TB testing, and WIC supplemental food program and nutrition education.
• Vital Records - Issue birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates.
• Emergency Preparedness - Plan for and responds to large scale health events and disasters like severe weather and flu season. Manage Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers.
• Harm Reduction - Supply free naloxone, medication disposal bags, and tobacco cessation services.
• Population Health - Provide referrals to community resources through Community Health Workers. Provide timely public health information through multi-media channels.

For more information visit: www.BlueRidgeHD.org