Our Approach
1998
History of Healthy Suffolk
In 1998 we held our first meeting at Holiday Inn to discuss forming the Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community.
In May of 1999 the Mission and Vision for the Partnership was developed. We started that Fall with the goal of making Suffolk a healthier city.
In 2001 a community assessment was done to identify the health issues of Suffolk’s population. In 2001, Virginia Savage was elected President of the Partnership, and eventually served 8 years in this role.
2002
Early Years
The bylaws were written and approved and an action plan was implemented for community awareness of the health benefits of healthy eating fitness.
Our articles of incorporation were filed.
In 2005 discussions began around the feasibility of the SPHC creating a free clinic.
2006
Gaining Momentum
In 2006 our 501c3 status was granted with the IRS.
In June 2007, the Western Tidewater Free Clinic opened under the umbrella of the SPHC.
In 2008, a grant was received from OHF to hire an individual to conduct a community assessment on the rate of obesity in the city, and what programs may impact this.
In 2009 the community gardening concept was brought before the board, and was implemented. A $41K grant was also received from OHF and the first Executive Director was hired part time.
2010
Planting Roots
In 2010 a strategic planning committee began work on the Strategic Plan and stayed busy with…
The first Friends of the Partnership appreciation luncheon
The healthy Eating and Fitness Committee held its first 5k event in conjunction with Suffolk Parks and Rec
OHF was awarded a $75K grant to support building the Partnerships infrastructure, expanding Suffolk On The Move and The Gardens Project, as well as to begin initial planning to launch PLCP.
Cross Realty graciously began offering free office space, and the Executive Director position went full time.
In 2011 wii bowling tournaments, bike fun rides, as well as smoking cessation classes were initiated.
The Get up and Go program began and focused on exercise and healthy eating.
A student from each high school in the city was invited to represent youth on our board of directors
The Guys With Tiest calendar fundraiser was launched through a premier event with the purpose of raising awareness of the Partnership and providing health promotion themes each month.
In 2012 PLCP officially launched with nearly 100 participants enrolled in the program.
2016+
Healthy Suffolk
In 2016, we rebranded as Healthy Suffolk, and our dedication to the Suffolk community continues.
Our Story
Healthy Suffolk Mission and Vision:
Our Mission ~ To advance wellness and livability in Suffolk
Our Vision ~ A livable community where all citizens are healthy
Healthy Suffolk (previously the Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community) is a 15+ year old non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that works to advance wellness and livability for Suffolk, with many accomplishments to date, including the establishment of the Western Tidewater Free Clinic, a gardening program throughout the community, and highly successful active living initiatives
Healthy Suffolk seeks to create a culture of wellness and livability in Suffolk. Healthy Suffolk works to implement policy change at the city and community level by serving as a convener, advocate and promoter of wellness and livability.
Meet the Healthy Suffolk Team
Great deeds are preformed by great people. Here is the team behind Healthy Suffolk.
Our Board of Directors
Tracey C. Snipes, Chair – Executive Director/CEO
Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority
Tia Blount, Vice Chair – Owner/CEO Christopher Jordan Real Estate
Erin Young, Treasurer – Vice President, Branch Manager, TowneBank
Jean Carmean, Secretary - Retired RN
Robert Rhodes - Retired, IBM
Dr. Douglas Naismith - Retired Educator, Nansemond Suffolk Academy
W. Ross Boone - Retired Educator
Shelley Tucker - Right of Way Agent, Virginia Department of Transportation
Brian Bass - Project Manager/Business Developer, Nansemond Contractors, Inc.
John Biggs - Retired Educator
Richard Chaing - Owner, Suffolk Executive Offices
Dr. Marcia Conston - President, Tidewater Community College
John Heimerl - President, Heimerl & Associates Inc
Jeannie M. Leonard - Senior Transit Supervisor, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia
Anne McCoy - Employee Wellness and HPE Supervisor, Suffolk Public Schools
Darlene W. Rawls, M.Ed - Director of Healthcare & Reliability, Western Tidewater Community Services Board
Roosevelt Jones
Ex-Officio, Regina Brayboy - Executive Director, Healthy Suffolk
Become a Volunteer
We are always in need of those individuals or groups who can donate their time. Whether it's helping us with one of our events throughout the year, or lending some time to help with the administration of the many efforts of Healthy Suffolk, it is only through the support, both financial and our volunteers, that we are able to accomplish all that we do.
Upcoming Events
The best way to be a part of your community is to get out and be involved. Healthy Suffolk holds lots of events in our community, spanning all aspects of Active Living and Healthy Eating.