Chickahominy Health District presents Goochland 2025'029 health improvement plan, flags some federal grant exposure

The Chickahominy Health District briefed the Goochland County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 6 about the 2025'029 Goochland Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), a five-year strategy developed with local partners that focuses on older adult supports, mental health, and attainable and safe housing.

"Our mission is very simple. It's our purpose for existence, and that is to improve the health of the community through preventing disease, promoting healthy lifestyles, and preventing, protecting environmental hazards and other hazards," said Dr. Tom Frank, health director for the Chickahominy Health District. Dr. Frank introduced Emily Hines and Amelia Swofford, who led work groups that developed goals, objectives and implementation strategies for each priority area.

The plan's three priorities, chosen with Goochland Community Partners (multi-sector local stakeholders), are: - Older adult support and services: expand access to home repairs, transportation and social engagement to help seniors age safely in place. - Mental health: increase access to providers and services, strengthen referral partnerships and expand awareness and training such as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and Mental Health First Aid. - Attainable and safe housing: reform the local housing steering group and broaden partnerships with social services, Goochland Cares and Habitat for Humanity to address local housing needs.

Hines said the health district will evaluate and monitor progress quarterly and invited community participation: the CHIP and a one-page summary are available online and in printed form at the administration building, and the district is recruiting members for ongoing Goochland Community Partners meetings.

Funding and federal shutdown risk: Dr. Frank told the board that about 13% of the district's funding comes from federal grants and estimated roughly $161,000 could be affected by a federal shutdown. He noted WIC is 100% federally funded but said Virginia Department of Health contingency planning had kept services operating and staff in place.

Public access to clinical services: Board members asked about access and eligibility. The health district said individuals can contact the clinic by phone or email to request appointments; the district does not require proof of citizenship to receive services.

Community engagement: the health district will host an open house Nov. 13 (4'06 p.m.) at the administration building to showcase clinical and environmental health services, nutrition programs, injury prevention and naloxone education.

The board did not take formal action; staff and the health district will continue quarterly monitoring of implementation.