Center for Community Health Innovation

Founded in 2018, the Center for Community Health Innovation at Roanoke College supports the development of resident-guided cross-sector strategies to reduce community-level health inequities across the Roanoke Valley. To support this mission, core functions of the Center include:

  • Directing the Roanoke Valley Community Healthy Living Index, an annual health surveillance system which monitors health outcomes, engagement in healthy behaviors, and barriers to healthy living among Roanoke city youth;
  • Serving as a neutral convener for residents and partner organizations to collaborate in fostering equitable community development projects and practices;
  • Providing grant support and technical assistance to partner organizations
    seeking to develop data-driven strategies to promote a culture of health in the Roanoke Valley;
  • Positioning students as agents of change through engagement in service-driven research experiences