Community Relations
A major area of emphasis of our efforts is to support local organizations in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve. One of the distinguishing features of Central Virginia is the large number of community organizations that promote healthy lifestyles, encourage prevention and early diagnosis, and raise money for research.
As an institution, we at the UVA Health System stand ready to lend our expertise and resources to these groups. For instance, through a partnership with Wintergreen Resort, we created the Safe Sliders program in 2005. During the 2007-2008 winter season, we distributed 50 helmets to young skiers, snowboarders, and sledders, and have reached nearly 500 children with winter safety information.
Last year, we collaborated with the Virginia Discovery Museum to create a training program for their annual race for 3 to 12 year olds, the Discovery Dash. This unique program teaches children the fundamentals of running to prepare them for the Dash while promoting exercise and healthy habits. Learn more about the UVa Training Program for the Discovery Dash.
Another important component of Community Relations is leading and participating in community health fairs and screenings . In 2007, the UVA Health System Community Relations, Outreach, and Service office helped organize screenings in Charlottesville, and Nelson and Buckingham counties. Additionally, we provided free sports physicals for school-aged athletes at the Boys and Girls' Club Health festival in Charlottesville. We will continue this service in July 2008 and expand to the Orange County Boys and Girls' Club.
