Vaccination Updates at BlueRidgeHD.org
BRHD continues to offer free COVID-19 vaccines by appointment and as walk-ins at all of our community clinics and mobile vaccination events throughout the District. In addition to BRHD clinics, there are a number of community partners, pharmacies, and providers who are offering free COVID-19 vaccines. 

Everyone 12+ qualifies for a vaccine and can schedule appointments one of three ways:

  • To schedule an appointment with BRHD online, use our online scheduling portal.
  • To schedule an appointment with BRHD over the phone, call the BRHD Hotline Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm: 434-972-6261
  • To find vaccines at any other community partner location, visit vaccines.gov.
COVID-19 Hotline: Here to Help
Do you have questions about COVID-19? Want help scheduling your COVID-19 vaccination appointment? Our hotline operators can help - they have already fielded over 27,000 calls since the beginning of 2021.

A special thanks goes out to Emma, our amazing Hotline Supervisor, whose last day on the hotline was today! They begin their new position as the Charlottesville-Albemarle Office Support Services Supervisor on Monday. Today, Emma passed the torch to our new hotline supervisor, Lolita (Lita). Thank you, Emma and welcome, Lita!

Call the BRHD hotline Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm to learn about our services, resources, programs, and more. 434-972-6261.
New VDH Vaccination Dashboard
Today, VDH launched new dashboards that include information on the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths by vaccination status. They also include data to track COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases, hospitalizations and deaths - like those caused by the Delta Variant.

Vaccine breakthrough is when someone who is fully vaccinated develops COVID-19. Vaccine breakthroughs are rare and COVID-19 vaccination is highly effective in preventing illness, even acute illness.

If you know someone who needs a COVID-19 vaccine, we can come to them. Email us and request a homebound vaccination - available Tuesday-Thursday each week throughout the District.
It's Gettin' Hot Out There
Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.

Older adults, the very young, people with mental illness, and those with chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Thus, summertime activity must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness.

More information and summer safety tips are available on the CDC’s Summer Safety website.
Meet the BRHD Team
Each week, we will 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 Desiree Bergman, WIC Nutritionist at BRHD! 

How long have you worked with BRHD?
5 years
 
What is your job?
My job duties vary from checking clients in at registration to doing nutrition education counseling with our wonderful clients.
 
Who are you outside of BRHD?
Before coming to BRHD I worked in an Assisted Living community here in Charlottesville for many years as a Resident Care Coordinator. I have 3 children that keep me on my toes and I am also a mom to 2 miniature dachshunds: Lola and Lillie. I enjoy reading and being outdoors, especially planting flowers! I do enjoy the occasional great glass of wine as well! 
July COVID Testing
While we work to vaccinate the District, BRHD continues to offer free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing. Each event will have the capacity to test 200 persons: 100 pre-registered clients and 100 walk-ins.

Individuals tested at a BRHD testing sites will receive a call within 4 days with test results. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a consenting adult.

For more testing resources and a complete list of free COVID-19 testing events, including testing events by community partners, visit the BRHD website. 

FRIDAY, July 9, 16, 23, 30 from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Buford Middle School, 1000 Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 
  • Appointments can be scheduled on the Wednesday and Thursday prior to each event by calling 434-972-6261
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 if you're not fully vaccinated, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings with those who are unvaccinated.