A Note from the Director
"I highly encourage anyone who is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine, if you haven't already. While guidance has changed throughout the pandemic, we know that vaccinations continue to be effective in preventing severe illness leading to hospitalization or death. If you've already had COVID-19, you should still get vaccinated for longer term protection. Additionally, if you're exposed and are fully up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, you can resume activities (with proper precautions like wearing a mask indoors).” - Dr. Denise Bonds, BRHD Director

The Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) offers free COVID-19 vaccines throughout the District at events and through our homebound service. You can also find appointments each week at BRHD health departments. Learn more at the BRHD vaccine website.
Federal In-Home COVID-19 Test Kit Program
While BRHD does not currently have rapid COVID-19 test kits available for distribution, a new White House initiative to increase testing availability has ensured every home in the United States is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 rapid antigen tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. These tests give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required).
 
COVID-19 self-tests (also referred to as home tests or over-the-counter tests) are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.
 
Self-tests can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results. You can use self-tests, regardless of vaccination status, or whether or not you have symptoms.
 
Test kits can be ordered on the USPS website and more information about the initiative is available on the White House website. Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for performing the test.
February 9: Boosters and Bagels
Two things BRHD and Bodo's do well: Boosters and Bagels!

Join us on Wednesday, February 9 from 2-4pm at Bodo's on Preston (505 Preston Ave) for both! We'll have appointments and walk-ins for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and booster doses. Vaccines are available for those 5 years and older.

Already vaccinated and boosted? Swing by and check out Mobi (BRHD's mobile health unit), meet our amazing team of Community Health Workers, learn more about BRHD services, and pick up some fun giveaways!
Weekly Vaccines in Greene County
The best part of getting your booster shot is the 15 minute observation period afterward – when you can just sit and have a moment to yourself. What better way to spend that time than with a book?

How ‘bout a book from the Greene County Public Library? First, second, third, and booster dose vaccine appointments are available every Wednesday through the month of February at the Greene County Library (222 Main Street, Stanardsville) from 3:30-5:30pm.
BRHD Mask Distribution Efforts
Thanks to a generous donation from Bama Works - a longtime partner in COVID-19 operations in the District – BRHD recently distributed 9,500 KN95 masks to all public schools in the District. Each school received enough masks for all teaching and support staff. We are grateful for Bama Works and Red Light Management for their ongoing contributions towards combating COVID-19 and improving the health of our District’s residents.
Free Narcan in BRHD
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.
 
Join us at an upcoming Narcan distribution site: 
  • Fluvanna County Health Department: 2nd Tuesday of every month
  • Greene County Health Department: 2nd Monday of each month
  • Louisa County Health Department: 2nd Tuesday of each month
  • Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department: 3rd Monday of every month
 
During these events, individuals are trained on how to identify an overdose and properly administer Narcan. In addition to receiving free Narcan, community members can pick up rapid in-home HIV test kits, condoms, lube, and other health-related supplies at no cost..
 
Appointments and IDs are not required. For more information, call 434-484-0255 or visit our website.
Join the BRHD Team
  • PHN Senior: BRHD is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team of professionals dedicated to providing public health services. This position provides non-supervisory leadership and serves as a nursing program expert in the District. The PHN Senior will be responsible for completing nursing assessments, performing lab tests, taking measurements, developing and implementing care plans, and the administration of medication and case management. This job requires licensure as a RN by state code. For all the details and to apply, visit our online job posting. Applications will be accepted until February 10, 2022.

  • Deputy Director: BRHD is hiring a Deputy Director who will be responsible for Health Services for the District, including but not limited to overseeing medical aspects of clinics, immunization, family planning, STI, Newcomer Health, and LTBI. Read the full job description and apply here. Applications will be accepted through February 11, 2022.

  • CHW (bilingual English/Spanish): If you have an interest in maintaining and improving the health of your own community, perhaps a career in public health is right for you! BRHD is hiring a bilingual (English/Spanish) Community Health Worker to conduct community outreach and health education around COVID-19 and act as a bridge to BRHD COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and support services, and other BRHD services. Interested applicants must be able to speak and write in English and Spanish and can apply online here.

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 Amy Lane, BRHD’s Mobile Unit Supervisor.
 
How long have you been at BRHD?
Since October of 2021
 
What is your job?
I oversee anything related to the success of Mobi, BRHD’s mobile health unit! This includes building relationships in the community, keeping our vaccine schedule and stock updated, ensuring Mobi is well-stocked with all the supplies we need for events, and acting as Site Coordinator for all our community outings. I am also actively working with other programs at BRHD to incorporate additional services (not just COVID-19 vaccines) in the future. 
 
Who are you outside of BRHD?
My husband and I grew up in Muscatine, Iowa and moved to Virginia in 2009. Since moving to Charlottesville in December 2019, and the state shutdown 2 months later, we have discovered that the amazing trail system keeps us healthy and kinda inshape! I have 2 boys, Jamin who graduated from University of Mary Washington earlier this year, and Reese, who currently attends VCU in Richmond. Of course the 7 pound puppy Kacee, runs the house! Before coming to the BRHD, I spent 21 years in renal dialysis as facility and regional management. Still having the opportunity to serve my community and help those in need brought me to this position which I enjoy very much.
February COVID Testing Schedule Now Available
BRHD continues to host free COVID-19 PCR testing in each locality one day every week from 4:30-6:30pm. Appointments are not required, but may be made by calling the BRHD COVID-19 Resource Hotline (434-972-6261, open M-F 8am-4:30pm) or self-registering on the BRHD website.
 
Please note our updated testing schedule:
  • Mondays: Louisa County Health Department
  • Tuesdays: Greene County Health Department
  • Wednesdays: Nelson County Health Department
  • Thursdays: Fluvanna 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:
  • Mondays: The Church of the Incarnation, 6:00-7:30pm
  • Tuesdays: Mt. Zion African Baptist Church, 5:30-7:00pm.
  • Wednesdays: Mountain View Elementary School, 6:00-7:30pm
 
Next Molecular offers free PCR tests at the former J.C. Penney parking lot in Charlottesville on Tuesdays 9:00am-1:00pm and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-6:00pm.
 
The Community Testing Center at Pantops, which is run by VDH and contracted company AshBritt-IEM, is open Saturdays through Tuesdays from 9:00am-5:30pm. Appointments are available and encouraged, but effectively immediately, walk-ins are now available during operating hours. Tests are free and available to anyone ages 3 months and older. 
 
Visit our testing webpage for updated information and testing schedules for February. You will also find a list of additional testing locations throughout the District should you need more options for testing.
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.