BRHD Bids Farewell to Dr. Denise Bonds | |
|
Dr. Denise Bonds, Health Director, is leaving the Blue Ridge Health District this month.
Dr. Bonds has been the District’s Health Director since 2015. Prior to joining the Virginia Department of Health, Dr. Bonds served as a medical officer at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. During her tenure at BRHD she led the District in a number of public health initiatives, most notably, the COVID-19 pandemic response efforts and the District’s renaming from “Thomas Jefferson” to “Blue Ridge” to reflect a more inclusive organization.
Under Dr. Bonds’ leadership, BRHD expanded its HIV testing and prevention services, increased access to testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and broadened the size and reach of the Population Health Division, including launching a robust Community Health Worker program. During the COVID-19 response, BRHD was one of the first districts to establish a dedicated resource hotline, offer community access to free drive-through COVID-19 testing, and make vaccines available in neighborhoods through the use of a mobile health unit (“MOBI”) and home-bound services. Dr. Bonds also acted as the Interim Director for the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) from August 2020 through April 2021, which meant leading two districts in unprecedented pandemic response efforts.
“Working for the Blue Ridge Health District has been the most fun, the most rewarding, and the most challenging of any job I have had. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with VDH colleagues, partner agencies, community members, local leaders and elected officials. I am grateful for partnerships with our local health systems and community organizations who have aided in COVID-19 response and expansion of many essential public health services,” said Dr. Bonds. “I am humbled by BRHD’s dedication to improving the lives of those we live with and serve.”
The Blue Ridge Health District thanks Dr. Bonds for her dedication and fearless leadership over the past seven years. Recruitment for a new Director is underway. BRHD remains dedicated to providing essential public health services during this time of transition.
| |
Mental Health Awareness Month | |
|
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With everything that has happened over the past three years, it’s an important time to recognize that mental health matters to us all. A recent report from the CDC indicates that nearly half of teens felt persistently sad and hopeless during the pandemic, and adults did not fare much better.
The Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition is a group of over 25 different behavioral health organizations, working together to improve mental health and wellness through planning, advocacy, and access to effective services. The coalition created a Mental Health Awareness Month calendar with 31 ways to come together for mental health.
| |
|
On May 24, 2022 a number of community partners in the District will come together to host a memorial service at the Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital Amphitheater. This event will be held to honor the community members and loved ones we have lost to COVID-19.
The evening’s agenda includes time for reflection, words from local leaders, and luminary lighting. This event is free and open to the public, and hospital parking is available. Signage will be posted on-site directing you to the amphitheater. Seating is limited so attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating. Please do not bring pets. To check for weather-related updates, visit our website.
| |
Thank you, BRHD Containment Team! | |
|
Last week, BRHD bid farewell to our Case Investigator Team. Over the past two years this team of amazing public health professionals worked countless hours in order to protect our communities. Their dedication to helping others, and amazing hard work has brought us through this extremely unpredictable pandemic to where we are now.
Michelle Newman, BRHD Containment Operations Manager, said of this team, “I have never had the pleasure to work with a more talented and driven group of people. On behalf of the BRHD, the Containment Team, and myself I want to say thank you for everything you have done for our communities, our District, and of course, our team. You will be truly missed and I wish you all the very best in all of your future endeavors.”
Thank you, Case Investigators, for your dedication and contributions to the health of our community!
| |
|
Nearly a year ago on a sweltering June 8, 2021, we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for our Mobile Health Unit at our JCPenney vaccination site. The Governor and BRHD staff celebrated with our Representatives, partners, and our generous donor, the Genan Foundation. It was the height of COVID vaccination program and MOBI was ready to roll. The next day, the Unit went to vaccinate at the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Charlottesville, and has been on the front lines of the fight against COVID ever since.
Fast forward to this weekend: On Sunday, May 8, 2022, “MOBI” (as the unit is affectionately known) will have completed 200 events and administered 5,072 vaccinations. Happy 200th Event, MOBI!
But the fun doesn’t stop there - MOBI is working on expanding its offerings, providing more mobile services to all of our localities. In fact, keep an eye out for the blue-and-teal beauty in your neighborhood this summer offering not only free COVID-19 vaccinations, test kits, and masks, but also tobacco cessation information and NARCAN.
Remember, if your organization wants MOBI onsite to vaccinate staff or members, let us know at our online form. We’re looking forward to MOBI’s next 200th celebration and connecting you to the folks of BRHD!
| |
|
Sign up now for the May Tobacco Free Tuesday webinar on May 17 from 10-11am. This presentation will feature Dr. Sunny Shin, an Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) as well as the Director of Innovation in Child and Family Wellness Research and the Director of Rise Above, a trauma-informed, social & emotional learning program. He will discuss preventing tobacco use among youth exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
| |
Back to School Vaccines for May | |
|
It’s never too early to be thinking about back to school needs, especially vaccinations! In Virginia, there are new vaccine requirements for children returning to school/daycare. All students in Virginia will need vaccines to protect against Meningitis, HPV and Hepatitis A. That’s on top of previously required immunizations. Without them, your child may not be able to start school on time or go to daycare. Get your vaccines on:
-
1st Fridays - Greene County Health Department, 8:30-10:30am
-
3rd Fridays - Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department, 8:30-10:30am
-
4th Fridays - Louisa County Health Department, 8:30-10:30am
Required Vaccines Vary by Grade:
-
Kindergarten - Hep B, Hep A, Dtap, Polio, MMR, Varicella
-
Rising 7th graders - Tdap, HPV, Meningococcal
-
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:
-
Greene County Health Department: 434-985-2262
-
Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department: 434-972-6269
-
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.
| |
|
Drive up to the Yancey Community Center for free COVID-19 PCR testing on Wednesday, May 11 from 4:30-6:30PM! Everyone ages 6 months and older are welcome. No ID or papers needed. Click here to schedule your appointment.
To find more COVID-19 testing options throughout the District, visit the BRHD testing website or call our COVID-19 Hotline during business hours (M-F, 8:30-4:30PM) for assistance.
| | | | | |
