Advancing Health Equity Today Requires Accountability
NVHF President and CEO Courtney Rice reflects on the Foundation's mission, one year into her role.
Our Blogs
Explore news, announcements, and stories from the Northern Virginia Health Foundation.
Why Policies from Northern Virginia’s Distant Past Matter for Health Today
For all of the resources and affluence found in Northern Virginia, what explains the large inconsistency in health across the region? And how did these health differences come to be? VCU's Steven Woolf explains.
NVHF elects new board chair, new board members also announced
NVHF announced the election of Sonia Quiñónez as its new board chair, and welcomed two recognized regional health leaders, Dr. David C. Rose and Shelly L.S. Powers, to its Board of Directors.
NVHF Selects Grantee Partners Advancing Health Equity and Building Social Connectedness
NVHF is delighted to announce the recipients of its end-of-year grant opportunity for organizations building social connectedness and supporting capacity building.
Reflecting on Good News and the Expansion of Good Work
Two NVHF grantees, Arlington Free Clinic and Northern Virginia Family Service, received Arlington County’s RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community Grant in 2024.
New Grant Opportunity: A Message From Courtney Rice
The Northern Virginia Health Foundation is pleased to announce a new grant opportunity to strengthen communities and improve health in Northern Virginia.
Neighborhood Health CEO Shares Impact of New Partnership with Arlington Pediatric Center
Earlier this year, Arlington Pediatric Center kicked off a new partnership with Neighborhood Health, marking a pivotal moment in expanding services and support for families in Northern Virginia.
NVHF President & CEO Courtney Rice Reflects on First 100 Days and Beyond
Courtney Rice shares reflections on her first 100 days as president and CEO, and what lies ahead.
Q&A with Retiring NVHF President & CEO Patricia Mathews
Retiring NVHF President and CEO Patricia Mathews shares some of the many lessons learned over her 18+ years tenure.
Courtney Rice Named New President and CEO of Northern Virginia Health Foundation
Rice selected as NVHF's next President & CEO following an extensive national search led by Good Insight.
An Updated Look at Northern Virginia’s “Islands of Disadvantage”
A new report shows that in Northern Virginia, communities of color largely missed out on the region's recent social and economic progress.
NVHF announces upcoming leadership transition
As Patricia N. Mathews retires from her role, the Board is conducting a national search for the Foundation’s next President & CEO.
How Arlington is Harnessing the Power of Partnerships to Improve Health
A new report explores how a local collaborative is uncovering and addressing problems that have an even greater impact on health than does medical care or health behaviors.
HealthWorks CEO on the Importance of Cultural Competency, Treating Patients Like Family
Dr. Tonya Adkins shares her vision for HealthWorks and the steps the organization is taking to make patients feel more like family.
NVHF’s Patricia Mathews Named Among Washington Business Journal's 2022 Women Who Mean Business
Ms. Mathews discusses her proudest achievement at NVHF, the importance of listening and the best advice she’s ever received.
"Deeply Rooted" Report Makes Its Way to APHA 2022
Report author Steven Woolf, MD, MPH, reminds APHA attendees why policies of the past matter for health today.
The Evolution of Fairfax County’s Approach to Housing: An Interview with Fairfax County Chief Equity Officer Karla Bruce
Ms. Bruce spoke with NVHF about what led Fairfax County to prioritize housing, the challenges they experienced in building more affordable housing units, and what else they're doing to advance equity and opportunity.
Steven Woolf, Patricia Mathews on Business' Role in Addressing Health Disparities
Health expert Steven Woolf, MD, MPH, and NVHF's Patricia Mathews spoke with the Washington Business Journal about the opportunity and responsibility businesses have to address health disparities in the region.
In Tribute: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Jane Woods, Local Champion for Health Care and Former NVHF Board Chair
Former NVHF Board chair Jane Woods passed away on July 18, 2022. She will be remembered for her many years of public service and dedication to health care, especially for seniors.
Reflecting on 16 Years of Service to Northern Virginia
Patricia Mathews and Judy Feder reflect on NVHF’s 16 years of service and share a stark realization about COVID-19's impact on disadvantaged communities in Northern Virginia.
NVHF announces new board members, staff
Meet the Northern Virginia Health Foundation's newest Board members and staff
Collaborating Across Sectors for Systems Change
How do we make systems change a reality? Leaders working in public health and criminal justice discuss how they work together to help bring care to people with substance and opioid use disorders.
Food Insecurity During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Looking Beyond the Statistics
A new report examines residents’ varying experiences with food insecurity and the choices they were forced to make because of the pandemic.
A Conversation with Heather McGhee
NVHF sat with Heather McGhee, economy expert and author, to talk about what racism costs us all and how we can all prosper together.
Foundation Leaders Call For Greater Support For Public Health, Not Criticism
In a joint op-ed, NVHF President and CEO Patricia Mathews and local leaders call for greater investment in Northern Virginia’s public health infrastructure.
William A. Hazel, MD, Philip Sunderland Named to NVHF Board of Directors
William A. Hazel, MD, and Philip Sunderland are elected to the Northern Virginia Health Foundation Board of Directors.
Is Your Practice Ready for the 2021 E/M Changes?
New guidelines and code descriptors for evaluation and management services take effect on January 1, 2021. What should physicians and practices do to prepare?
Four Ways Leaders Can Practice Self-Care During Times of Crisis
While many senior managers have found helpful ways to support their staff and others during the COVID-19 pandemic, far too many managers have neglected their own health and well-being in the process. Leaders from Northern Virginia Family Service offer four practical ways leaders can practice self-care during times of crisis.
Building Resilience and Preventing Suicide During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Regional mental experts explores explore strategies that help us all cope with stress while also helping the people we care about, and our community be stronger.
What’s the State of Oral Health in Northern Virginia in 2020?
A new report examines oral health experiences of Northern Virginia residents and measures progress since the first-ever regionwide survey was conducted a decade ago.
National Expert Outlines Strategies for Curbing Impact of COVID-19 in Northern Virginia
VCU's Steven Woolf unpacked the impact of COVID-19 in Northern Virginia's islands of disadvantage along with response strategies for local leaders.
Embracing Telehealth in Northern Virginia: How to Maximize Revenue
In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, telehealth services have become an indispensable means of providing care to patients.
A Push to Make Opportunity A Key Focus of Fairfax County’s COVID Response Efforts
United Community's Alison DeCourcey and community leader Yolanda Thompson outline a vision to end multi-generational poverty amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Healthy Places Index: A New Resource for Measuring Opportunity in Northern Virginia
A powerful new tool can help local leaders understand the depth of those differences and take action to improve health.
Arlington’s Libraries Go the Extra Mile to Shape Health & Well-Being for Residents
Just as health is about more than health care, libraries are about more than books. Diane Kresh discusses several ways Arlington County's libraries support health equity.
A Conversation with Karla Bruce, Chief Equity Officer of Fairfax County
NVHF President and CEO Patricia Matthews interviews Fairfax County's Chief Equity Officer Karla Bruce to learn more about her first year in the role and the challenges in helping county leaders and residents understand what equity is, why it’s important, and what’s next.
In Arlington, a New Report Reveals Stark Disparities in Health and Well-Being
Life expectancy varies in Arlington by as many as 10 years depending on who you are and where you live in the county. A new community report lays out strategies to chart a path forward.
Five Ways the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic Promotes Health Equity
The Northern Virginia Dental Clinic's dedication to oral health access goes beyond cleanings and fillings.
Refreshing Zoning Regulations to Support Local Farmers Markets and Community Gardens
Come summertime, Fairfax County will be a friendlier place for farmers markets and community gardens, thanks to a much-needed update of the county’s zoning regulations.
Free Workshop: Help Residents Apply for Virginia's Medicaid and FAMIS Programs
Tens of thousands of residents in Northern Virginia are now eligible for Medicaid healthcare coverage. And many of them will need assistance in signing up to receive it. The Northern Virginia Health Foundation is sponsoring a free workshop where you can learn how to help residents (and their family members) sign up!
Making Healthy Eating Fun for a Lifetime
Getting kids to eat their vegetables can be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. One community-based event showed that it can be a downright fun experience for everyone.
When Good Health Requires More Than Medical Care
People often need more than health care to navigate a major health problem. Meet the person at Arlington Free Clinic helping patients solve non-medical problems that affect their health.
PAVE Clinic Makes Vaccination Easier So Kids Can Start School
A first-of-its-kind effort in Virginia aims to make it easier for parents to get their kids vaccinated.
Restoring Hope to Elders Struggling with Suicide
In Virginia, people 85 and older are at highest risk for suicide. At a recent workshop, 200 people showed up to learn how to prevent suicide among the elderly.
Loudoun Hunger Relief’s Successful Strategy for Going Healthy
Over three years, Loudoun Hunger Relief increased its annual distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables from about 30,000 pounds to 275,000 pounds. This dramatic change started with a vision, which become a strategic plan, which translated into action.
Making Vision Care Part of Health Care
Oral and eye health are essential components of primary health care. Our health care systems should treat them that way.
Building Community Resilience to Overcome Trauma
Allison Sampson-Jackson, founder and CEO of Integration Solutions, and some of the region's leading trauma experts discussed what can be done to build community resilience in Northern Virginia.
Northern Virginia Dental Clinic Celebrates 25 Years of Service
NVHF President and CEO Patricia Mathews reflects on the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic's accomplishments and service to the region.
Getting to Zero: Making HIV Screening a Routine Part of Health Care
The Alexandria City Health Department and Neighborhood Health launched a new initiative that aims to eliminate stigma and improve HIV status awareness across Alexandria.
NVHF Board Appoints New Director
Guillermo Garcia, vice president of The Han Group at UBS appointed to NVHF Board of Directors.
The Challenge to Create a Healthier—and More Equitable—Northern Virginia
How can northern Virginia really thrive? There's no single solution, but NVHF president Patricia Mathews explains why creating a healthier, more equitable region starts with a collaboration-focused region.
New Report Reveals Northern Virginia’s Uneven Opportunity Landscape: “Islands of Disadvantage” Surrounded by Wealth and Privilege
A new report finds 15 “islands of disadvantage” in Northern Virginia, where people face multiple, serious challenges, interspersed among the region’s wealthy communities.
News Release | Report Reveals "Islands of Disadvantage" in Northern Virginia
A new report reveals 15 “islands of disadvantage” in Northern Virginia where people face multiple, serious challenges, interspersed among the region’s wealthy communities.