This summer, the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD), Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, and UVA Health launched the fifth MAPP2Health Community Health Assessment (CHA). Every three years, this assessment is conducted to find and address key challenges in improving health equity across our communities.

MAPP2Health (standing for Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships to Health) listens to what residents have to say about their health needs through surveys and focus groups. Between June and August 2024, BRHD went door-to-door to collect 100 surveys from people living in Arrington, Amherst, Faber, Gladstone, Howardsville, Norwood, Schuyler, Shipman, and Wingina. Those results are now being reviewed to determine next steps in making the biggest difference for residents’ health.

Now, your help is needed to keep the momentum going! There are three ways to get involved:

1. Focus Groups: Starting in October, BRHD will be hosting up to 21 focus groups through the end of 2024. We want to hear from you about the challenges that make it hard to stay healthy. These one-hour focus groups will be held both in person and virtually, and every participant will receive a $25 Food Lion gift card.

Complete the Focus Group Interest Form (available in five languages) and make your voice heard!

2. Community Health Survey: If you are 18 or older and live in Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, or Nelson, we want your input! Our goal is to collect 500 responses by December 2024 to get a full picture of the health issues that matter most to you.

Complete the 5-minute Community Health Survey (available in nine languages) on the BRHD website.

3. Stakeholder Survey: Are you a staff person, administrator, or member of an organization, agency, or coalition serving District residents? We want to hear from you, too! Share your expertise and insights in our Stakeholder Survey to help us better serve the folks you work with.

Got questions about MAPP2Health or the assessment? Visit BRHD CHA webpage or reach out to CHA/CHIP Program Officer Jen Fleisher.