Discover Virginia's Blue Ridge Region and AHEC

Health Care Workforce in the Blue Ridge Region

The BRAHEC service area covers over 9,000 square miles, making transportation a major barrier to health care for many residents. Nearly 60% of the district's population lives in only six counties (Albemarle, Augusta, Culpepper, Fauquier, Frederick and Rockingham) and two cities (Charlottesville and Harrisonburg). In the region, 15 counties and all 7 cities are classified as MUA/P. Fourteen are primary care HPSAs; 6 are mental health HPSAs; and 15 are dental HPSAs. Four FQHCs and five rural health clinics serve the region. (October 21, 2016--retrieved from: HPSAfind and VDH). Harrisonburg, the largest city in the district, has a population of 52,538 with 18.6% self-identifying as Hispanic/Latino. Almost 23% speak a language other than English at home, 19% were born in another country, and 32% were estimated to have incomes below the poverty level. (American Community Survey 2010-2014).