WILLIAMSBURG – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) and the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail (VPRJ) have launched a partnership to provide health literacy for jailed individuals through an eight-week education program.
HPHD says the partnership began in June 2025 when they held their first Health Literacy class in the jail’s “We Are All In This Together” program. Since then, 88 jailed individuals have completed the course.
According to HPHD, the course covers 17 topics, including, but not limited to:
- Nutrition
- Scheduling doctors’ appointments
- Medication management
- Navigating health insurance
- Understanding health technology and apps
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Exercise
- Workforce development
- Opioid overdose recognition and response
Following the success of the first graduating Health Literacy class, the HPHD and the VPRJ said they formalized their partnership and have begun collaborating on other initiatives.
“This is an exciting partnership between our two agencies,” said HPHD Director, Dr. Natasha Dwamena. “Low health literacy is a key driver of health disparities, which impacts our most vulnerable communities, leading to increased chronic disease, higher mortality rates, and greater healthcare costs. The HPHD helps bridge the gap between the VPRJ and community health services, increasing engagement in care.”
HPHD says the partnership extends beyond the jail’s walls. After graduating from the program, several individuals reached out to health department staff members to access substance use and recovery programs, workforce development, and other health services.
“We are proud of our WAITT program and the opportunities we can provide to the population we serve,” said the VPRJ’s Superintendent, Colonel Roy Witham. “By incorporating public health education and services into the WAITT Program, we can support our population by empowering them with the knowledge they need to take care of their health and support their social needs, while in jail and beyond.”
HPHD leaders say the collaboration highlights the importance of starting re-entry preparation early.
“By establishing community-based programming at the VPRJ, our ongoing goal is to reduce recidivism rates by enhancing prevention, increasing trust, and bridging gaps to services,” said Dr. Natasha Dwamena.
According to HPHD, the program will help individuals develop the skills they need to manage chronic conditions, access preventative care, and recognize health emergencies. Empowering them to make informed decisions and improving health outcomes as they re-enter the community.
