Faith-based coalitions are central to community organizing efforts and trusted resources of information to both their membership and the larger community. The Virginia Department of Health recognizes the importance of continuous engagement between the VDH central office, local health districts, community partners, and partnering congregations.
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The VDH Office of Health Equity, Virginia Partners in Prayer & Prevention (VAP3) program established in late 2016 is the evolution and rebranding of Virginia’s Congregations for Million Hearts program. The initiative facilitates partnerships between marginalized communities, faith, and interfaith organizations local and state public health agencies.
VAP3’s pilot outreach effort has focused on Zika prevention through the targeted distribution of VDH approved Zika Prevention “around your home and in your community” messages. VAP3 provided a hub for public health resources, facilitated new partnerships, and provided technical assistance to empower our communities to bridge the gap between faith and health with ease. The success of this pilot provided a solid foundation to grow and expand upon the program to broaden the scope of prevention to several key public health issues impacting our communities. As a result of VAP3’s initial efforts, the VAP3 Newsletter was established, and additional programming proceeded. Virginia Partners in Prayer and Prevention Newsletter serves as a health guide and resource for all places of worship and communities of faith.
Virginia Partners in Prayer & Prevention (VAP3) has since been instrumental in educating communities of faith throughout the Commonwealth on health equity and the importance of identifying and addressing community health-related social needs.
Virginia P3 programming includes:
- VAP3 Newsletter
- VAP3 Community Health Champions
- VAP3 Partner Resources Sessions
- Walk with Ease (Arthritis Awareness)
- Opioid Response Outreach & REVIVE Training
- Opioid Response Toolkit
- Purple Power Worship (Alzheimer’s Association)
- VAP3 Free Community Event Support
- VAP3 Disparities Grant
Veronica Cosby, MAHS, MS
VAP3 Program Manager
Office: (804) 864-7361
Fax: (804) 864-7440
Jasmine Martinez
VAP3 Outreach Coordinator
Office: (804) 807-1753
Grace Akol
VAP3 Disparities Grant Project Coordinator
Office: (804) 495-5613
Kiana Richardson
HBCU & VAP3 Disparities Grant Project Coordinator
Office: (804) 786-4326
Richard Siefring
HSIO Grant Project Coordinator
Office: (804) 513-0439
Shamiya Taylor-Bland
VAP3 Disparities Grant Project Coordinator
Office: (804) 920-1195
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