Central Nova News

The Alexandria Health Department and the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria have released the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Fall 2023 Progress Report.

The report describes the status of CHIP tactics for priority areas selected by Alexandrians from the 2019 Community Health Assessment: mental health, poverty, and housing. The report and appendix were compiled by a Monitoring and Evaluation Team using data shared by tactic owners from March – November 2023.

“The wonderful progress made so far implementing the CHIP shows the positive impact of our community working together,” said Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria Chair Allen Lomax.

As of Fall 2023, 70 of the 80 planned total CHIP tactics are in progress. Tactics in the report’s “CHIP Spotlight” section include the launch of a Healthy Homes Network, the introduction of RAISE trainings for trauma and advocacy, and the Alexandria Treatment Court’s provision of legal and social services for people with substance use disorders.

The report also describes projects funded by Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria grants. The Partnership has awarded over $80,000 to organizations advancing CHIP priorities.

Grant-funded projects include community “walk the block” events, service referrals for residents facing homelessness, and health education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people.

Finally, the report calls out barriers to progress such as funding limitations, staffing, language access needs, and increased service demand. The Monitoring and Evaluation Team has hosted over 80 guidance sessions since the release of the CHIP to help tactic owners navigate these challenges.

“The next report will be released in spring 2024,” said Alexandria Health Department Public Health Planner Nathaniel Lewis, “but progress on the CHIP happens every day. Together we can improve the health of our community.”

To get involved in Alexandria’s CHIP work or to learn more, visit the CHIP 2025 web page.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nathaniel.Lewis@vdh.virginia or call 703.927.3413, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.

For media requests only, contact Eve Elliott, Alexandria Health Department Communications Officer at Eve.Elliott@vdh.virginia.gov or 804.467.5160.

Original source can be found here.