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Dear UVA Health Team Members,

Today is a good day for UVA Health. Following the successful purchase of property located at the corner of 9th Street Southwest and Cherry Avenue, including Oak Lawn, a historic home, we will soon be partnering with the Fifeville Neighborhood Association and other civic groups to explore how to best use the property in support of community needs.

This represents another big step we are taking to invest in our community, and also shows our commitment to our ten-year strategic plan, where one of our foundational initiatives is to continuously advance community engagement and health equity for all. In Fifeville today, we are already showcasing that commitment by organizing a twice-a-month community health station at Abundant Life Ministries on Prospect Avenue. During these events, residents can receive free blood-pressure and blood-sugar checkups, as well as take home fresh produce via a pay-what-you-can farm stand provided by the Local Food Hub and funded by a community grant.

To carry on this partnership, we will now begin conversations with the wider community on what services are most needed at the Oak Lawn property. There are no current plans to tear down the historic house; rather, it will be used to help provide services most desired by the community. Another potential option that will require further study is childcare services for both Fifeville residents and UVA Health team members. Along the way, we will keep you apprised of our progress. If you are a member of our Fifeville community, please know that this space will be for you.

With the purchase of this historic home, our hope is that we can continue our partnership with the Fifeville community, bringing support services that are most meaningful to our neighbors.

With gratitude,

Tracy M. Downs, MD
Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer, UVA Health

Wendy Horton, PharmD
Chief Executive Officer
UVA Health University Medical Center