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When a child living in the Greenstone on 5th Apartments in Charlottesville, Virginia, asked Vickie Marsh, UVA Health Population Health Project Manager, for a bicycle — she spun into action. As committed partners in the community, UVA Health's Population Health Department saw an opportunity to meet a need and strengthen relationships, supporting a UVA Health strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all. 

Marsh and Population Health collaborated with community partners to secure new wheels and more, not just for one child, but for children across the apartment complex.

Community Bikes, already an established partner in the community, donated the new bikes, provided on-site bike repairs, and identified the need for bike racks. UVA Parking and Transportation pitched in two refurbished bicycle racks — while the Charlottesville Police Department stepped up to donate helmets and locks, along with safety training for the kids.

On Nov. 17, Population Health brought together these community-minded organizations with families and more than 50 children on Prospect Avenue for a Bike Safety event. Children claimed vouchers for new bikes, eight bikes belonging to residents were repaired, and officers shared gear and safety tips. "Now the children will have everything they need to get their new bikes and ride and store them safely," says Marsh.

"When this was brough to my attention, I immediately said, ‘Do it!’ because one of the best things about healthcare is building bridges into the communities you serve. And Vickie, who has been with UVA Health for more than 35 years, has built so many bridges." says Novella W. Thompson, MBA, MA, ALM-C, FACHE, Administrator, UVA Health Population Health Department. “It’s very exciting to know we are meeting a need, especially for our kids, and continuing to strengthen our relationships and ties in the community we serve.”