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Our last newsletter highlighted two of the four policy targets from the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). This week, we are excited to share updates from our remaining CHIP workgroups!
TRANSPORTATION:
“Improve the systems that get patients to and from the hospital.”
June kicked-off a discovery phase with UVA Health’s Emergency Department social workers, transportation leads, and patient services providers to explore how to best respond to this CHIP objective. With a shortage of drivers in the area, this is no small task, but the team is committed to getting patients discharged from the health system quickly and safely.
July marked the launch of the Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) Strategic Plan to improve bus service over the next 10 years. Jaunt also began planning this month for its Rural Needs Assessment – which aims to better serve Jaunt riders in Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Southern Albemarle.
Now, the Charlottesville Area Alliance – thanks to a grant awarded from AARP Virginia – is working with mPact Mobility and multiple community partners to find the best way to involve community members in two transit improvement sessions in September. We are looking for folks who ride Jaunt, CAT, or UTS to be included in this group (compensation provided). Contact Jen Fleisher if you or someone you know takes transit!
MENTAL + BEHAVIORAL HEALTH:
The biggest news this month was from the Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition. UVA Childrens’ Hospital, in partnership with Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, announced their new Neurodevelopment and Behavioral Health Care Clinic is scheduled to open in late summer of 2024! The new clinic will expand services and provide therapy and medication management for mental-health concerns in a comforting and therapeutic environment.
Bravo to all our hard-working CHIP conveners and contributors and their progress this summer. Stay connected to future progress in our next newsletter, or anytime on the CHIP website.
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