How Are We Doing? Alexandria Releases State of Health Report

By Gabi Miller

Alexandria, VA – Last month, the Alexandria Health Department hosted an event to share updates on the city’s health landscape and to foster community dialogue. The event, held in partnership with local organizations and leaders, aimed to inform residents about health trends, disparities, and plans for improvement.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins opened the evening by reflecting on her personal connection to her commitment to addressing local health inequities. “For me, part of why I decided to pursue a career in public health is I realized that in our case, even with the greatest doctors, if we didn’t get at the root of what was making us unhealthy in the first place, we were never going to see better health outcomes,” she said.

Following the mayor’s remarks, attendees participated in a poster walk, where they reviewed health data visualizations and engaged directly with staff and volunteers. This interactive session gave residents the chance to ask questions and better understand the findings before transitioning into a panel discussion and Q&A session. Panelists featured Noraine Buttar, Chief of Youth Development for Alexandria; Kathy Castro, Service Navigator for ALIVE!; Allen Lomax, Chair, Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria; and Sean Curry, MPH, Public Health Planner (filling in for Natalie Talis).

The Community Health Assessment (CHA) offers a comprehensive look at Alexandria’s health landscape, going beyond behaviors and outcomes to include community-level conditions such as economic stability and access to education. The CHA used a nationally recognized model adapted for Alexandria’s unique context. Data collection involved a citywide survey with over 2,000 responses, a quantitative analysis of over 200 indicators, and qualitative methods such as community walks and a photo album.

The data, now available on a public dashboard at https://www.alexandriava.gov/health-department/alexandria-health-data-dashboard, revealed striking disparities across neighborhoods, especially in life expectancy and access to basic needs. However, it also reflected strong community interest in improving local health outcomes.

Speakers emphasized the importance of community voices in addressing health disparities. Initiatives like “Walks and Talks” were highlighted as successful tools for engaging residents directly. The discussion touched on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria to shift its strategies. Panelists addressed the city’s efforts to reduce teen pregnancy, now on the decline, through resources like the Teen Wellness Center and the Alexandria Campaign. They also discussed improving transportation support for residents during extreme weather, particularly for those without reliable access to transit.

Finally, the conversation emphasized the need to bridge generational divides and create more inclusive health programs that connect youth and seniors, with the goal of building a healthier, more equitable Alexandria for all. As the event concluded, one message rang clear: improving Alexandria’s health requires a collective, community-driven effort. The data may highlight disparities, but it also reflects a city full of residents who care.

With the next Community Health Improvement Plan underway, Alexandria is taking meaningful steps to address urgent concerns such as mental health, housing, and youth well-being. Continued collaboration, transparency, and resident input will be essential as the city works toward a future where every Alexandrian has the opportunity to live a healthier life – regardless of their neighborhood or background.