March 12, 2024
Media Contact: Caitlin Hodge, Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov
Now Available: Charles City County Community Health Assessment Report
CHARLES CITY, Va. – The Chickahominy Health District and partner agencies are pleased to announce the release of the 2023 Charles City County Community Health Assessment (CHA) report, which can be viewed online at: www.vdh.virginia.gov/chickahominy/community-health-assessment. This report details population-level health indicators, identified local strengths, and health priorities for the county.
“Completing this assessment is a first step of many,” stated Emily Hines, the district’s Population Health Planning & Improvement Coordinator. “We will continue to work with the community to improve health by gaining a greater understanding of the county’s strengths and needs. We are grateful to everyone who participated in the assessment, including the Steering Committee, and we look forward to developing and implementing a robust improvement plan that builds on the positive activities already happening in Charles City.”
Based on the comprehensive findings of the CHA, three health priorities were identified to focus on over the next five years:
- Healthcare Access and Quality – focusing on improving access to preventive healthcare and dental services; building trust among Charles City County community members by sharing clear, easily accessible information through education, outreach, and engagement activities; and enhancing cross-organization care coordination to address social determinants of health and improve health outcomes.
- Economic Stability, Infrastructure, and Workforce Development – focusing on improving economic stability through increased job opportunities, growth, and resources to meet their needs; ensuring sustainable infrastructure and utilities to meet the needs of existing and new residential, commercial, and industrial developments; and promoting Charles City County as an attractive location for a variety of businesses to grow and offer high-quality jobs to community members.
- Childhood Health and Education – focusing on improved access to health and wellness services and other resources for youth in Charles City County; and increasing the resources available to staff and students to provide additional options and education opportunities for youth activities and resiliency.
The information in the CHA was gathered by collecting data, distributing a community-wide survey, facilitating focus groups, and holding key informant interviews to provide a comprehensive picture of the community’s health status, quality of life, and health priorities. Over the next few months, various partners will be developing strategies to address the three health priorities detailed above. Charles City County community members can submit their strategies and ideas, as well as send their comments regarding the report to CHDWellness@vdh.virginia.gov by March 29, 2024.
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