initiatives

VHHA Foundation administers a number of externally funded grants and awards that support our mission, many of which are awarded by state agencies in Virginia. With generous support from our partners, these funds help us facilitate collaboratives aimed at improvements in the health care system and in the overall health of Virginia’s communities. And because we recognize that health starts long before a visit to the hospital – in our communities, neighborhoods, homes, and relationships – much of our work is focused on the social and environmental factors that affect wellness before and after Virginians visit the hospital.

Our impact continues to grow as the number and amount of grants we’ve received has increased in recent years.

VHHA Foundation Program Scope Summary

HVIPs

Hospital-based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs) provide victims of violence with immediate support and long-term resources to prevent re-injury and retaliation. These programs employ specially trained community health workers to link patients with vital hospital and community-based services. Since 2019, the VHHA Foundation has secured more than $15 million to establish HVIPs in nine health systems, each staffed by at least three full-time, grant-funded professionals. In collaboration with the VCU Injury & Violence Prevention Program, the Foundation has implemented an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach across Virginia hospitals. To date, more than 4,000 patients have received critical intervention, fostering healing and reducing the cycle of violence in communities.

Population Health

In partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and other key funders, VHHA Foundation has connected member hospitals and health systems with important resources to assist their teams with screening and tracking Social Determinants of Health, connecting patients to community resources, and keeping up with the latest developments in health equity and chronic disease management. A few of the areas of focus for these teams are Cardiovascular Health, Stroke, Diabetes, Arthritis, Food Insecurity, and Maternal Health. As trusted members of a community who work to improve the health of the community and its residents, Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital interventional role in these programs.

Rural Health

VHHA Foundation has been responsible for the administration of both the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) and the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (FLEX) in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) since 2018. These programs provide funding for technology and training improvements in rural hospitals with 49 beds or fewer with the goal of improving quality outcomes and data collection.

Crisis Response

By expanding upon existing relationships with hospitals and health systems statewide, VHHA Foundation provided emergency funding and administrative support during the COVID-19 pandemic and has established a reputation for “answering the call” of both hospitals and funders during times of crisis. Foundation staff were able to use their existing grant management knowledge and resources to oversee the healthcare provider reimbursement program in cooperation with the VB Strong Center following the tragic mass shooting in Virginia Beach in 2019 and are prepared to assist with future crisis response funding should the need arise.

Substance Use

In partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and leaders at Carilion Clinic, VHHA Foundation has facilitated the adoption of the Emergency Department Bridge to Treatment Substance Use Intervention Program in seven Virginia health systems. The Foundation has further expanded its work in this area through a partnership with the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to establish hospital-based peer recovery support programs and provide new peer recovery specialist teams with training and reimbursement support.

Supporting Clinical Research and Trials

VHHA Foundation is proud to administer state funds to establish the Virginia Coordinated Clinical Research Network (VCCRN). VCCRN connects researchers, patients, life science industry professionals, and healthcare experts to facilitate clinical research and trials within the Commonwealth. By fostering collaboration between researchers and clinical healthcare professionals, VCCRN reduces inter-institutional barriers while driving opportunities to expand access to clinical research and trials in Virginia.

WHO WE PARTNER WITH

From state agencies, private foundations, and health care organizations — take a look at our partners who help facilitate health-based grants in Virginia. As a reminder, we’re always looking to grow our support system and seek partnerships to help promote a vibrant, high-value health care system.

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