Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System – Building a Healthy Community Initiative

What is it?

The Building a Healthy Community initiative (the Initiative) emerged in 2009 from Bon Secours Health System’s Strategic Quality Plan, one of its goals being, “Partner with our communities to co-create a more humane world, improve health, and model social justice.” Leaders at Bon Secours’ eight local health systems were asked to select an underserved community “with high needs.” Bon Secours Hampton Roads chose East Ocean View, a community of more than 4,500 residents, where crime and poverty were high and access to healthy, fresh foods and primary health care services low or nonexistent. In addition, the community had high rates of hypertension, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. The methodology behind the Initiative involved identifying needs and assets or strengths as perceived by the residents themselves (buy-in); a plan born of the community’s own vision, and developing and supporting (including funding) common goals with partners, both short-term and long-term; and expanding significant programs from “anchor” institutions as well as developing new programs.

Who is it for?

The 4,500 collective residents of East Ocean View, many of whom are underserved or disenfranchised; all within a one-square-mile community that has experienced decline in its infrastructure and its well-being for several decades.

Why do they do it?

“We have a responsibility to be stewards of the resources that we have and to work for a more humane world,” said Sr. Patricia Eck, chairperson of Bon Secours Ministries, the sponsor for Bon Secours Health System, upon introducing the Initiative in 2009. Leaders from each local system responded by selecting a community in need, in their respective locales, and “walking alongside” it to develop goals and action plans reflecting the unique character, needs and capabilities of that community.

Impact

Just one program within the multi-program Initiative, Passport to Health, was conceived to help whole families adopt a healthier lifestyle. With four programs completed (2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016), there is both statistical and anecdotal evidence of improved health. In total, 74 families have participated in the programs, with individuals shedding, in total, 562 extra pounds. Almost 7 tons of fresh produce were distributed. What’s more, participants learned to enjoy new foods and fun and easy ways to prepare them. The 2015 program graduated 38 families (100 individuals), whose collective body mass index decreased 25.2 percent. Twenty-two individuals experienced a decrease in blood pressure, and several reduced their cholesterol levels. The 2016 program graduated 46 families and introduced a new “Move it Thursday” segment held at the East Ocean View Community Center. Led by Coach Dwight McDowell with the East Ocean View Beach Athletic Center, this new segment encouraged nine Passport to Health participants to train and complete their first ever 5K run. Additionally, 13 other families participated in the City of Norfolk’s Bike Day, completing a 13-mile ride.

Access to health care services is another significant outcome of the healthy community initiative. Since bringing health services twice a month to East Ocean View, the Care-A-Van has logged more than 2,000 patient visits. More than half its patients have at least one chronic medical condition. In 2013, the Ocean View Medical and Dental Center opened, offering residents affordable primary care, a pharmacy, diagnostic tests and services covering family health, women’s health, dental care and social work. This public health service is provided through the non-profit Hampton Roads Community Health Center (HRCHC), another partner in the healthy community initiative. HRCHC, Neighbors Building Neighborhoods and Bon Secours are currently working on Hispanic outreach in the East Ocean View area.

Contact: Ed Gerardo
Director, Bon Secours Healthy Community Initiatives Network
Telephone: 410-442-3425
Email: ed_gerardo@bshsi.org