This week, we're looking at a snapshot of the District's COVID-19 transmissions levels from the previous week. Transmission levels are determined by looking at the number of new cases per 100,000 people per seven days and the percentage of all PCR tests administered that were positive.

Transmission is considered high in all counties in the District. At current transmission rates, that means that an unvaccinated person has a 50-50 chance of getting sick with COVID within the next three or four months. To lower those risks and protect our District's 0-11 year olds from spreading COVID or getting sick from it, it's crucial that those who are 12+ get vaccinated. We can help! Head to our website to schedule an appointment.
J.Crew Vaccination Site Closing
Our time at the J.Crew vaccination site will come to a close after operating hours on Saturday, October 30.

Thanks to the help of Albemarle County Board of Supervisors and Richard Hewitt, we've been operating in the J.Crew site since June 2021. As of today, we've administered XXX total doses at J.Crew!

As of November 1, if you or someone you know is in need of a 1st 2nd, 3rd or booster shot, they can get that nearby at VDH's new Community Vaccination Center (CVC) at the former Big Lots store in the Seminole Square Shopping Center in Charlottesville. The CVC is open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but to expedite your visit, schedule an appointment online using the zip code 22901.
Yancey Flu Clinic: 10/21/21
On Thursday, October 21, from 10:00am-1:00 p.m., BRHD will host a Flu Vaccine Clinic at the B.F. Yancey Community Health Center at 7625 Porters Road, Esmont, Va 22937.

No appointments necessary. If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card with you; if you do not have insurance, you can still receive a flu vaccine. Anyone 6 months and older is welcome at this clinic.

For more information on this clinic, call Willie Mae at 434-270-3216. For additional flu vaccines clinics throughout the District, visit our website.
Now Hiring: BRHD COVID-19 Hotline Operators
BRHD is hiring COVID-19 Hotline Operators! The position will be based at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department and receive calls on behalf of the entire health district (which serves the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties). The position will be responsible for answering calls, providing information about COVID-19, triaging calls, and registering individuals for community testing and vaccination events. The person hired should be friendly, very comfortable talking with people over the phone, and must follow confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines. Training will be provided. Fluent in Spanish preferred.

This position is for 40 hours/week (Monday -Friday 8am to 4:30pm) at a rate of $20/hour. The contract is through December 31, 2021. 

To apply for a BRHD COVID-19 Hotline Operator position, complete the application. For additional employment and volunteer opportunities, visit our website.
Free Narcan: Monday, October 18
Narcan (naloxone) is a nasal spray used to treat opioid overdoses in an emergency situation. As most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, it was developed specifically for first responders, and any family, friends, or bystanders without medical training who may encounter an overdose.
 
On the third Monday of each month, BRHD hosts a free drive-thru event where community members can receive free Narcan. Individuals are trained on how to identify an overdose and how to properly administer Narcan. In addition to Narcan, rapid in-home HIV test kits, condoms, lube, and more are provided for FREE. Join us, Monday October 18 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at 1138 Rose Hill Drive, Door 2.
 
Appointments and IDs are not required. For more information, call 434-484-0255.
Abundant Life Fall Health Fest, Saturday
On Saturday, October 16, BRHD and Abundant Life Ministries are teaming up to present the Fall Health Festival at the Abundant Life House (780+782 Prospect Avenue, Charlottesville) from 12:00-3:00 p.m. There will be free food, games, COVID vaccines, and more!

Questions? Call Anne Brown at 434-962-3756.
Meet the BRHD Team
Each week, we introduce you to one of our Health District Heroes so you can get to know the people working to keep you safe and healthy every day. This week, meet Teresa Batten, Office Support Specialist for Environmental Health and Vital Records in Greene County.
 
How long have you been at BRHD?
Over 18 years
 
What is your job?
I manage the car seat and ADAP Programs. In addition, I'm the WIC clinic aide and back up to all health services and WIC programs.
 
Who are you outside of BRHD?
For fun, I like to spend quality time with my family. I love the Smokey Mountains and escape there anytime I can. Before I came to work at BRHD, I was a CNA for a nursing home. Special talents: I can clog and was a member of a local clogging group that won many competitions over the years.
FREE COVID Testing in BRHD
To meet local demand, BRHD is hosting COVID PCR testing in each locality one day every week from 5:00-7:00pm. Appointments are not required, but may be made the two business days prior by calling the BRHD COVID Resource Hotline (434-972-6261).

Testing Schedule:
  • Mondays- Greene County Health Department
  • Tuesdays- Louisa County Health Department
  • Wednesdays- Fluvanna County Health Department
  • Thursdays- Nelson County Health Department
  • Fridays- former J.C. Penney parking lot at Fashion Square Mall in Charlottesville/Albemarle

In addition to the above testing options, UVA Health offers free COVID-19 PCR tests in the greater Charlottesville/Albemarle area:
  • Mondays: The Church of the Incarnation, 6:00-7:30pm
  • Tuesdays: Mt. Zion African Baptist Church, 5:30-7:00pm.

PCR testing in partnership with Next Molecular is also available at the former J.C. Penney parking lot in Charlottesville on Wednesday and Thursdays from 3:00-7:00pm.

All tests are FREE and weather dependent. Visit our testing webpage for updated information and testing schedules.
Remember, vaccination is only one tool to end the pandemic.
We need to use them all in order to return to normal day-to-day activities.
Continue to wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings.