Residents of Alexandria are being invited to participate in the creation of the city’s next Community Health Improvement Plan, which will guide health initiatives for the next five years. The plan aims to address specific needs identified through recent community assessments and will focus on three main areas: Landmark/Van Dorn, Arlandria, and mental wellness across the city.
These priorities were selected based on data from Alexandria’s latest Community Health Assessment, as described in the State of Health Report. According to a citywide survey conducted during this assessment, residents identified mental health as the most pressing health issue in Alexandria. The assessment also highlighted opportunities for improvement in the Landmark/Van Dorn and Arlandria neighborhoods.
Community members—including residents, businesses, faith leaders, and local organizations—are encouraged to join coalitions that will help develop actionable steps for each focus area. The Alexandria Health Department and the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria will facilitate these groups by providing data support, coordinating with other city agencies, and publishing the final plans.
“Anyone who lives, works, or is involved in our community can sign up to join one or more coalitions on the Community Health Improvement Plan website,” organizers stated.
Allen Lomax, Chair of the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria, said: “The 2020-2025 Community Health Improvement Plan has significantly improved our community. Residents created solutions that included making DASH buses free, launching Alexandria’s Healthy Homes Initiative, preparing middle schoolers to pursue a college education, and providing mental health support to pregnant and postpartum clients.”
Coalition meetings are scheduled both online and in person. Each group is expected to meet for less than five hours per month. Members will collaborate on setting priorities and brainstorming solutions for their designated area. Final plans are expected to be released in summer 2026.
The first meetings are scheduled as follows:
– Mental Wellness Meeting: Wednesday, October 29, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Del Pepper Community Resource Center.
– Landmark/Van Dorn Meeting: Wednesday, November 5, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Patrick Henry Recreation Center.
– The date for the Arlandria meeting is yet to be announced.
Refreshments will be provided at meetings. Interpreters are available upon request if RSVP is received by October 20.
For more information or to RSVP for coalition participation, visit the Community Health Improvement Plan website. Reasonable disability accommodations can be requested by contacting Sean Curry at healthmatters@vdh.virginia.gov or by calling 703.244.5654 (Virginia Relay 711). Free interpretation and translation services are available by emailing LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or calling 703.746.3960.
For media inquiries only, contact Eve Elliott at 804.467.5160 or eve.elliott@vdh.virginia.gov.
