In 1992, seven Regional Perinatal Coordinating Councils were established in Virginia through competitive grants awarded by the Virginia Department of Health. Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital has remained the lead and fiscal agency for perinatal Blue Ridge Perinatal Region's grant since this time. In order to better define our geographic area, "Blue Ridge" was added to our title in 1999.
The Blue Ridge Perinatal Council (BRPC) has a strong history of working with local health care providers, hospitals, health districts, and other health & social service agencies to address identified needs of pregnant women and infants in Southwest Virginia. The Council maintains three core components to include a voluntary consortium of health care providers, consumers and other advocates; a perinatal outreach education program; and a Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) program. A multidisciplinary Advisory Board provides leadership to the Council's staff and membership.
- Alleghany Highlands
- Mount Rogers
- New River Valley
- Roanoke Valley
- West Piedmont
1. BRPC consortium
The BRPC is comprised of five community-based groups:
Our goal is to better coordinate and support national, state, and local efforts on behalf of mothers, infants, and their families. The BRPC collaborates with numerous community organizations and coalitions to promote perinatal health throughout the region.
2. Outreach Education
The Perinatal Outreach Education Program offers a wide range of educational opportunities for physicians, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, emergency medical services personnel, and other providers of perinatal care in the region. Programs are based on needs identified by individuals or agencies, and include the use of self-study materials, regional conferences, and in-services on-site throughout the region.
A variety of staff members from the Perinatal Center at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital serve as speakers for programs. Through major regional conferences, participants have the opportunity to hear professionals and nationally recognized experts in maternal and child health.
3. Fetal Infant Mortality Review
FIMR is a collaborative, action-oriented, community-based approach that leads to improved services and community resources for childbearing families. The purpose of FIMR is to understand how a wide array of social, economic, health, educational, environmental, and safety issues relate to infant loss on a local level.