Category: News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 29, 2024

For More Information, Contact: IPHI: Communications Director Taya Jarman, APR 202-747-3541 [email protected] MSAV: President & Founder Suzanne O’Connell 540-404-2243 [email protected]

Richmond, VA — The Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia (MSAV) will host its annual Brian Mason Respite Weekend on September 6-8, 2024. The festival brings respite, education, community, and fun to over 100 individuals and families affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). The event will be held at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Event and Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake in Wirtz, VA. Thanks to the title sponsors, the Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI), with support from Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, the event will be fully accessible to all attendees with mobility concerns.

For almost two decades, the MSAV Brian Mason Respite Weekend has offered a supportive and vibrant space for those impacted by MS. Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath (a white fatty substance) that covers the nerves. The myelin damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Ultimately, the nerves may deteriorate — a process that’s currently irreversible. MSAV President and Founder Suzanne O’connell said, “The Respite Weekend provides a unique provides a unique opportunity for people living with MS and their families to enjoy entertainment, vendors, exciting prizes, and take a break from the daily challenges that MS can bring.”

Brian Mason of Atlantic Bay Mortgage has sponsored the camp. Motivated by his personal connection to MS, he joined the National MS Society board of trustees after his employee’s son was diagnosed with the disease. Mason’s dedication to the cause has earned him an induction into the National MS Society’s Funding the Mission Hall of Fame.

This year, with IPHI’s sponsorship, the event has embraced the diversity of its attendees and created an environment where everyone can fully participate. As the regional public health institute in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, IPHI’s collaboration underscores its commitment to fostering inclusive and health-promoting environments for the community. “We are incredibly proud to sponsor the Brian Mason Respite Weekend and provide a chance for those affected by MS and their families to feel included, connect with their communities, and take a break,” said IPHI senior program manager Lauren Ruiz.

To learn more about the MSAV Brian Mason Respite Weekend, visit https://msallianceofva.org/programs/annual-respite-camp. For more information about IPHI and its dedication to equitable health opportunities, visit www.institutephi.org

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About the Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI):

IPHI develops multi-sector partnerships and innovative solutions to improve the public’s health and well-being across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. IPHI’s work strengthens health systems and policy, enhances conditions that promote health, and builds community capacity to ensure equitable health opportunities. Nationally, IPHI is one of over 40 public health institutes and a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes. For more information about IPHI, visit: www.institutephi.org, and follow IPHI on Facebook and Twitter @InstitutePHI.

About Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia (MSAV):

The Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia (MSAV) is a 100% volunteer 501c3 non-profit serving the Roanoke Valley and surrounding rural areas. The MSAV supports support groups and provides educational and empowering programs and events for anyone whose life has been affected by Multiple Sclerosis, including caregivers, friends, and family. For more information about MSAV, visit: www.msallianceofva.org, and follow MSAV on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RoanokeValleyMSSupportGroup/  or the MSAV Teens & Young Adults Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MSAVYAT. 

The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation provides funds for the project “Utilizing Network Map Technology to Build Community and Simplify Navigation in MS Rural Communities.”

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The Institute for Public Health Innovation, Virginia Department of Health, and Cumberland Plateau Health District Announce the Formation of the Cumberland Plateau Perinatal Health Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 22, 2024

For More Information, Contact: VDH: Maternal and Child Health Coordinator Victoria Bartfai 276-883-1880 [email protected] IPHI: Communications Director Taya Jarman, APR 202-747-3541 [email protected]

Richmond, VA — The Institute for Public Health Innovation, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Cumberland Plateau Health District are pleased to announce a new initiative to improve maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes in Cumberland Plateau, Virginia. The Cumberland Plateau Perinatal Health Network will be established with a planning grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This project will cover Tazewell, Russell, Buchanan, and Dickenson counties to build a network of stakeholders invested in improving the region’s maternal and child health outcomes.

A combination of healthcare shortages, social factors like limited economic opportunities, inadequate housing and transportation, and a region hard hit by the opioid epidemic have led to challenging perinatal health outcomes throughout the region. With an alarming rise in maternal mortality nationwide, Cumberland Plateau is facing the same disparities. The Network formally launches in August 2024 and seeks community members, including healthcare and public health organizations, community-based organizations, and community leaders. They will work collaboratively to develop a blueprint for improving healthcare coordination.

Three of the four counties in the Cumberland Plateau Health District are Maternity Care Deserts, and all counties in this district are facing higher rates of infant mortality and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Reisa Sloce, District Director of the Lenowisco and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts said, “Through our dedicated work, we have determined that a stronger network is needed to address the health and well-being of moms and babies to receive optimal care.” The Cumberland Plateau Perinatal Health Network seeks to change these outcomes. “Through valuable partnerships and community support, we look forward to seeing positive outcomes throughout our region.”

IPHI Senior Vice President Mike Royster, MD, MPH, FACPM said, “Our mothers and babies deserve a strong network of providers to ensure optimal health services and outcomes. These efforts will positively impact their well-being. Through this valuable collaboration, we look forward to achieving substantial goals to make a difference among perinatal providers and community members in the Cumberland Plateau.”

While the initial award from HRSA is only a one-year grant, the Network plans to pursue additional longer-term funding options from HRSA to sustain. Network members with firsthand experiences as providers or patients are encouraged to join. To learn more, visit: https://shorturl.at/Au2Bj.

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About the Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI)

Since 2009, IPHI has developed multi-sector partnerships and innovative solutions to improve the public’s health and well-being across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. IPHI’s work strengthens health systems and policy, enhances conditions that promote health, and builds community capacity to ensure equitable health opportunities. IPHI is one of over 50 public health institutes and a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes. For more information about IPHI, visit: www.institutephi.org, and follow on social media @InstitutePHI.

About the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

The VDH Cumberland Plateau Health District (CPHD) serves Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties. CPHD is one of 35 VDH health districts. The mission of the CPHD is to achieve and maintain optimum personal and community health by emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, emergency preparedness, and environmental protection. or more information about CPHD, visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/cumberland-plateau/, and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cphdvdh/.

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Maintaining a vaccine schedule is critical to protecting Virginians from vaccine-preventable illnesses 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 5, 2024

For More Information, Contact: ImmunizeVA: Senior Program Manager Rebecca Epstein 804-269-8323 [email protected]  
IPHI: Communications Director Taya Jarman, APR 202-747-3541 [email protected]

RICHMOND, Va. – ImmunizeVA, a statewide coalition of immunization stakeholders representing medical, public health, nonprofit professionals, and community leaders, urges Virginians to stay up-to-date on recommended vaccines to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases. August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an annual opportunity to remind Virginians about the importance of staying on track with a vaccine schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control Prevention.  

Raising the rates of routine vaccination for adults and children that have decreased over the past 5 years is essential for protecting individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks, as seen with recent measles outbreaks across the East Coast, ¹ as well as a recent meningococcal disease outbreak in Virginia from 2022-2024. ²  

It is especially important that infants, small children, college students, seniors, and immunocompromised communities should be up-to-date on vaccinations. “Vaccines are critical to stopping the spread of illnesses and helping to keep communities safe and healthy. With Virginia children preparing to return to school and young adults leaving for college, August marks an important reminder to speak to medical professionals to maintain the recommended vaccine schedule,” said Rebecca Epstein, Senior Program Manager of ImmunizeVA.  

Although kindergarten entry vaccination rates have improved since a notable decrease in 2021, there is still improvement to be made to ensure herd immunity in all communities. “I want all our kids to be safe from preventable disease while attending school. Keeping kids up to date on routine vaccines keeps preventable diseases out of our schools,” said Denise Kesler Olson, ImmunizeVA Steering Committee Chair and parent advocate.   

Various vaccines are recommended for children and teens who require multiple doses at specific ages and times. Virginia’s school immunization requirements align with the recommended schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians. There are important vaccines for adults, including recently updated recommendations for certain vaccines like pneumococcal. Adults should receive an annual flu and booster shots every ten years to protect themselves from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Talk to your medical provider to ensure you are current on your vaccines.  

Most vaccines are free with Medicaid and other insurance plans. The Virginia Vaccines for Children program also provides vaccines at no cost to children for eligible caregivers.  In the 30 years since the Vaccines for Children program was created by Congress, the vaccination of children born in the United States will prevent 472 million illnesses, 29.8 million hospitalizations and $2.2 trillion in total societal costs.  ³ 

To learn more, visit www.ImmunizeVirginia.org.  

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About ImmunizeVA  

ImmunizeVA is a statewide coalition of immunization stakeholders representing medical, public health, and nonprofit professionals, as well as parents and community members. Members are united in their commitment to the coalition’s vision of a future where the disease does not impact Virginians’ quality and length of life that immunizations could have prevented. We work together to improve immunization coverage across the Commonwealth. ImmunizeVA is an Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) initiative. For more information on ImmunizeVA, visit: www.immunizevirginia.org and follow ImmunizeVA on Facebook and Twitter @ImmunizeVa. 

About the Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) 

IPHI develops multi-sector partnerships and innovative solutions to improve the public’s health and well-being across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. IPHI’s work strengthens health systems and policy, enhances conditions that promote health, and builds community capacity to ensure equitable health opportunities. Nationally, IPHI is one of over 50 public health institutes and a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes. For more information about IPHI, visit: www.institutephi.org and follow IPHI on social media @InstitutePHI. 

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ImmunizeVA’s Associate Program Manager Bel Kelly-Russo was featured on WNRN Independent Music Radio station. The segment was titled, “Hear Together: ImmunizeVA National Immunization Awareness Month.”

During the interview, Bel introduced ImmunizeVA, Virginia’s Immunization Coalition. She highlighted the importance of August being National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM).

To learn more about NIAM, visit: NIAM press release

To learn more about immunizations and when to schedule your next shot, visit: Immunizevirginia.org/niam.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 23, 2024

For More Information, Contact: IPHI: Communications Director Taya Jarman, APR 202-747-3541 [email protected]

Prince George’s County, MD – The Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (FEC) is pleased to announce Dr. Camille Range as its new director. Dr. Range brings a wealth of experience and expertise in food systems, community health, and policy to this critical role.

As a seasoned community-based dietitian and researcher, Dr. Range has a proven track record of developing and implementing innovative programs to address food insecurity and promote health equity. Her deep understanding of the social determinants of health and her commitment to creating positive change make her an invaluable asset to the Council.

The FEC was started on October 26, 2013, to improve the public health and community well-being of all who live, work, worship, and play in Prince George’s County, MD. The Council develops and supports policies and initiatives that create systemic change in the local food system. Its efforts include promoting health, economic opportunity, food security, and well-being within communities that the current food has negatively impacted. The FEC is incubated and administratively sponsored by the IPHI. IPHI’s role is to ensure that the FEC has the capacity and support to be productive and sustainable.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Range to the Prince George’s County Food Equity Council,” said Evelyn Kelly, a director with Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI). “Her passion for improving the health and well-being of our community, coupled with her extensive knowledge of the food system, will be instrumental in advancing our mission.”

“Through my experience, I’ve seen the inequities and barriers to dependable food resources across the region. I’m looking forward to leading the Council’s efforts to address food insecurity, improve access to healthy food nutrition education, and promote equitable food systems in Prince George’s County,” said Dr. Range. She will work closely with community partners, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that create a healthier and more just food environment for all residents.

Dr. Range received the first Urban Leadership & Entrepreneurship doctorate at the University of the District of Columbia. Her research focused on policy change and governance solutions to address racial and health inequities in major food systems across the United States. She completed her Master of Public Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, TX, and a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL.

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About Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (FEC)

FEC is a local food policy council that works to help Prince George’s County residents grow, sell, and choose healthy foods. Since 2013, FEC has been a voice for county residents at the policymaking table. The team works with county leaders to find permanent solutions to improve our food system. They focus on systematic and sustainable changes to Prince George’s public health challenges (e.g., hunger, obesity, and food deserts that lack healthy food options) by advocating for policy that creates a more equitable local food system. The FEC is incubated within the Institute for Public Health Innovation. For more information on FEC, visit www.pgcfec.org and follow FEC on social media @pgcfec.

About the Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI)

Since 2009, IPHI has developed multi-sector partnerships and innovative solutions to improve the public’s health and well-being across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. IPHI’s work strengthens health systems and policy, enhances conditions that promote health, and builds community capacity to ensure equitable health opportunities. IPHI is one of over 50 public health institutes and a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes. For more information about IPHI, visit: www.institutephi.org, and follow on social media @InstitutePHI.

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National Public Health Week (NPHW) recognizes and celebrates public health professionals nationwide. April 1-7, 2024, marks the 29th NPHW organized by the American Public Health Association (APHA). This year’s theme is “Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We are All Public Health.”

We will join a nationwide celebration of the incredible work of public health professionals. We are proud to be part of this vital field, working to keep our region healthy and safe.

Why Public Health Matters

Public health is often the silent guardian, working tirelessly behind the scenes to prevent disease outbreaks, promote healthy behaviors, and ensure clean water, air, and food. It’s why you can drink tap water and eat fresh food without worry; the system helps ensure safe spaces and immunizations at schools, and the network monitors and responds to potential health threats.

Join Us in Celebrating Public Health Heroes

We invite public health professionals, community organizations, and the community – to celebrate the dedicated public health professionals this NPHW!

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Throughout the week, we’ll highlight:

• Monday: National Public Health Week
• Tuesday: Healthy Neighborhoods
• Wednesday: Climate Change
• Thursday: New Tools and Innovations
• Friday: The Future of Public Health

Stay Connected!

Visit our social media pages for more information on NPHW 2024. 

Follow us on social media as we celebrate National Public Health Week! Use the hashtag #NPHW2024 to join the conversation and share how public health impacts your life.

Together, we can build a healthier future for all!

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Decreased vaccination rates can also be attributed to a lack of accessibility, according to Bel Kelly-Russo, a program associate at ImmunizeVA, a project of the Institute for Public Health and Innovation.

It boils down to access: securing an appointment and affording the shot, Kelly-Russo said.

“I would say that there’s fatigue, kind of, on the system itself,” Kelly-Russo said, including confusion around vaccine billing and distribution.

For example, pediatric offices face high costs to store vaccines for those under the age of 5 years old, which have lower COVID-19 vaccination rates, according to Kelly-Russo.

Bel Kelly-Russo, IPHI’s program associate, discusses the potential reasons for a decrease in vaccine rates with the Virginian Pilot. 

Read the full article: Health officials urge Virginians to get their shots ahead of respiratory virus season

Mes a mes, Emely Baez-Salazar recibe con una sonrisa alentadora a personas de escasos recursos de los condados de Chesterfield y Richmond que requieren atención médica. Emely se comunica fluidamente en español y en inglés, para ayudar a residentes a comprender la importancia de las vacunas y cómo hacerse pruebas para detectar enfermedades crónicas, como, por ejemplo: presión arterial alta y diabetes. Si bien, una de sus prioridades es conectar a las personas para ayudarlas a vivir una vida más saludable usando los recursos disponibles; su primer objetivo es generar confianza, es decir, ayudar a las personas a comprender que ella es una aliada y que tienen a su disposición atención médica segura y confiable.

Báez-Salazar no es médico ni enfermera, sino una Promotora de Salud Certificada con experiencia integral en el sistema de salud. Ella tiene experiencia facilitando el uso del sistema electrónico de salud, especialmente a personas de bajos ingresos, y por ende vulnerables…

Visit El Tiempo Latino to read the full article: Los promotores de salud comunitaria (CHW) son la clave para una Virginia más saludable

(September 29, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senator Bob Casey, Jr., and Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. introduced a resolution designating the week of August 28 – September 1 as “National Community Health Worker Awareness Week.” U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, Kirsten Gillibrand, Mazie Hirono, and Alex Padilla co-sponsored the resolution in the Senate.

“I am proud to introduce a House Resolution to establish the inaugural National Community Health Worker Awareness Week in partnership with the Senate. It is about time we shine a light on the invaluable contributions of community health workers and promotoras in our communities,” said Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz. “The…

Read the full release: here.

If your doctor said, “There are comorbidities that will affect your outcome,” many people would not understand what that means or what they need to do to change their outcome. Fortunately, Virginia has an important group of people making healthcare services more accessible and understandable: Community Health Workers.

This week happens to be Community Health Worker (CHW) Awareness Week, a first-ever national observance to raise awareness about the role of CHWs in the healthcare system and their impact. These caring and committed professionals – also known as outreach workers, family advocates and promotores de salud and other titles – are making a positive mark in Virginia and beyond. 

CHWs are not clinicians, nor are they social workers. They are one part advocate, one part coach, and one part teacher. Most importantly, as they are acting in all of these parts, CHWs are considered a trusted source of information. CHWs serve as….

Visit the Virginia Mercury to read the full article: Community health workers: behind-the-scenes heroes