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 that encourage prevention and early diagnosis, and that raise money for research.
As an institution, the UVa Health System stands ready to lend our expertise and resources to these groups. For instance, this year for the third year in a row, we worked with local chapters of the American Heart Association to raise awareness among women of the dangers of cardiovascular disease, which kills 500,000 women each year. We were an important sponsor of Heart Month and, in particular, the Red Dress Campaign that helped increase awareness of the need for women to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.
In addition, we helped coordinate the Boy's and Girl's Club Health Festival in Charlottesville, and spotlighted many community organizations at Medical Center and University employee events.