Service Area
The Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) is one of 35 health districts under the Virginia Department of Health. We have five health departments and one community-based clinic providing public health services to over 250,000 people in Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson, VA. You can read more about the demographics and characteristics of the communities we serve in the MAPP2Health Report, Section III: Who We Are.
Our Approach to Health
Health is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being in which disease and infirmity are absent (World Health Organization). Traditionally, health is viewed as the product of people’s health behaviors and lifestyle, their family history and genes, and the care received from their doctor(s) and other health service providers. However, where we live, work, play, and pray (social determinants of health) have an equally important impact on our health and well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that while 50% of our overall health is due to individual health behaviors and the clinical care we receive, the other 50% is due to social, economic, and environmental factors. Health is the result of more than just going to the doctor when you’re sick. In fact, your housing, transportation, job, education, and the environment around you impact choices available to you and the care you receive. Long-standing racism, poverty, and other systems of oppression make it unsafe for people to live, work, and learn. Blue Ridge Health District believes that working together with community members and organizational partners to change these factors and to recognize and address injustice in our systems and policies will make the largest impact on community health. (Adapted from MAPP2Health, 2020).
BRHD Equity Statement
BRHD is committed to equity as both a process and an outcome. We envision a thriving community, free of racism, discrimination and poverty, where everyone has the opportunities and the resources for optimal health.
BRHD Vision
Working together for healthy, equitable communities.
BRHD Mission
To protect and promote the health and well-being of all Virginians.
Guiding Principles
BRHD’s workforce is guided by the following core values in carrying out its public health work:
Accountability: To act responsibly and adhere to the agency Code of Ethics at all times.
Communication: To communicate effectively, timely and accurately.
Diversity: To appreciate and support diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas.
Equity: To promote justice, fairness and a commitment to others.
Excellence: To work at the highest level of performance, delivering services and products of high quality in a competent and timely manner, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Integrity: To be honest and trustworthy.
Respect: To recognize the dignity of the people served as well as our fellow employees.
Stewardship: To manage public resources responsibly and efficiently.