In last week’s newsletter, we shared an update regarding our local COVID-19 data. We are completing our data assurance process. You can find the latest, most accurate COVID-19 data directly on our BRHD website - view the “Overview” tab and select by locality to find a specific city or county’s data. We are also sharing a graphic below that shows the last week of COVID-19 cases in our District. Please note: this date does not include rapid at-home positive tests.
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mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Fully Approved |
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On January 1, 2022, FDA upgraded Moderna’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccine status from Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to full approval. Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine received full approval on August 21, 2022, which means we have two FDA-fully approved vaccines to combat the SARS-COV-2 virus. So what does it mean for a vaccine to have full approval?
- It’s the highest standard of approval given by the FDA, incorporating additional safety testing
- 340,000+ pages of research have been reviewed- all showing high levels of safety & effectiveness
- It allows the vaccine to be distributed after the public health emergency ends
Full authorization reaffirms that mRNA vaccines are safe and highly effective in protecting individuals against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from a COVID-19 infection. If you’ve been waiting for full FDA approval, now is the time to schedule your vaccination! Visit the BRHD website for more information on where you can get vaccinated and schedule your appointment today.
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Septic and Well System Funding Opportunity |
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If you have a house with a well or septic system that needs to be fixed and your income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify to have your private well and sewer fixed for free!
The Virginia Department of Health will use $11.5 million allocated in the Governor’s Budget Bill approved on August 10, 2021 to help low-income homeowners repair or replace well and septic systems. The allocation is part of the Commonwealth’s funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Office of Environmental Health Services will spend the ARPA funds through the Septic and Well Assistance Program (SWAP), which will be used to assist homeowners with incomes at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.
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BRHD's Wraparound Services program will be coming to an end this month. The Wraparound Services program, first implemented in May of 2020, has served over 1,100 BRHD community members who were in isolation due to COVID-19. Services included delivery of prepared meals, non-perishable food items, fresh produce, cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment, direct referrals for financial assistance, and connections to many other resources. A BIG thanks to the many community partners who helped make this program a possibility and a success: PB&J Fund, Salvation Army of Charlottesville, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Harvest Moon Catering, TJACH, Medical Reserves Corp., Loaves and Fishes, City of Charlottesville Human Services, County of Albemarle Human Services, Fluvanna MACAA, Feeding Greene, Louisa Resource Council, United Way, Nelson County Food Pantry.
The Blue Ridge Health District is still here to help connect our community members to resources. Please utilize our hotline where our Community Health Workers can refer you to local organizations providing resources. The BRHD COVID-19 Resource Hotline is open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm: 434-972-6261.
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Heathy Thursdays at Starr Hill Health Center |
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We offer free COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, blood pressure checks, voter registration, A1C screenings, Medicaid enrollment, and more. You won’t need to make an appointment for any of these services, simply walk in and see us.
If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, call the BRHD Hotline at 434-972-6261. For questions about other Starr Hill Health Center services, call 434-984-5350.
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Back to School Immunization Clinics |
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It's never too early to get ready for back-to-school health! That’s why BRHD has set up immunization clinics to help you beat the rush. In April, May, and June, BRHD will host back-to-school vaccination clinics for rising kindergartners, rising 7th graders, and rising Seniors who need the state required vaccines to start school next fall.
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1st Fridays - Greene County Health Department, 8:30-10:30am
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3rd Fridays - Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department, 8:30-10:30am
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4th Fridays - Louisa County Health Department, 8:30-10:30am
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Kindergarten - Hep B, Hep A, Dtap, Polio, MMR, Varicella
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Rising 7th graders -Tdap, HPV, Meningococcal
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Rising Seniors - Meningococcal
Please bring a copy of your insurance or Medicaid card if applicable. Uninsured children are welcome. Walk-ins are not available. To make an appointment or for more information, please call your local health department:
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Greene County Health Department: 434-985-2262
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Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department: 434-972-6269
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Louisa County Health Department: 540-967-3703
Additional clinics are being scheduled for later in the summer. We will provide those updates when they become available.
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Spring into action! Come join the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) as one of our Public Health Nurses (PHN)! We could be looking for you to join us in our Louisa Health Department, serving the Louisa community, and our entire district. We are one of the 35 health districts within the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Along with Louisa, our district serves the approximately 250,000 residents of Fluvanna, Nelson, Greene, and Albemarle counties, along with the city of Charlottesville.
Review all the details and apply HERE.
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