Central Virginia Healthcare Coalition (CVHC)

We are a member of the Central Virginia Healthcare Coalition (CVHC), one of six healthcare coalitions (HCCs) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is through these coalitions that VDH and VHHA work with hospitals and healthcare facilities to enhance their capabilities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from a wide range of public health and healthcare emergencies.

To learn more, visit central-region.org/about/.

Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Central State Hospital has joined hands with the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, alongside the Disability Law Center, to establish a process of supporting individuals in establishing eligibility for DARS support before discharge. This partnership is a result of research showing how crucial employment is in the recovery process for individuals diagnosed with a mental illness. We’re thrilled about this collaboration- work plays a central role in an individual’s identity and life, and is often essential to the rehabilitation we aim to provide our residents.

Petersburg High School

As of 2022, CSH has partnered with Petersburg High School to develop an Education for Employment Program with their students. Participants work roughly three hours a day, five days a week in our kitchen during the school year, learning all facets of our Dietary Department’s functions with the possibility of being employed full-time upon graduation. They’re taught the basics of the position, carrying out duties such as breaking down food carts and portioning meals, and are required to wear full uniform and utilize safety products just as an official employee would. This provides work experience not only for potential employment here at CSH, but also instills skills and habits that can be applied to other jobs in the food service industry.

In the first two years of the program, we’ve hired eight graduating seniors, five of whom are still working with us today. The Petersburg School Board awarded us as their Business Partner of the Year, and we’ll continue offering our services as long as there are available students interested in participating.