New Central Shannidoa Health District director emphasizes maternal‑child health and community navigation

Xavier Crockett, recently appointed director of the Central Shannidoa Health District, introduced himself to Staunton City Council on May 28 and outlined immediate priorities for the public health district.

Crockett described 15 years in health care and prior public‑health leadership in Georgia and Colorado. He said his early work in the district is focused on chronic disease prevention, expanding maternal and child health services and reconnecting families to care through community navigation programs.

On maternal and child health, Crockett said initial data review shows indicators that are higher than state averages for some measures, and he cited late or no prenatal care as a particular concern. He described districtwide and local percentages in double digits and said the department is working with regional partners and Augusta Health to plan targeted interventions.

Crockett stressed rebuilding a community health worker and navigation workforce that had lost capacity after earlier funding cuts. "We do have a program called connection to care... we are currently in a rebuilding phase," he said, adding that several states are pursuing legislation to allow billing for community health worker services to stabilize workforce funding.

Council members asked whether the maternal‑child focus is data driven and whether services such as family planning, dental or school‑based clinics might return; Crockett said the district is tracking data to identify gaps and is in conversations with the state health commissioner and local health partners about restoring some services where need is clear.

Council thanked Crockett for the introduction; he invited follow‑up questions and said he would continue community outreach to better understand local needs.