WELCOME TO THE
A Hampton Roads non-profit organization dedicated to advancing health literacy through innovative research, education, and community engagement.
Our Goals
To develop a unique consumer education model in Hampton Roads that can be replicated across the nation to improve health literacy and build stronger, healthier communities. We are working to achieve this through the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration and effective, community-driven engagement strategies.
Increase community-wide awareness and knowledge of key health issues
Enhance health outcomes by empowering individuals through improved health literacy
Improve health equity by reducing health disparities
Implement best practices in health education and measure their effectiveness
Promote economic development in the Hampton Roads region through a healthier and more productive workforce
Promote the importance of health literacy through national presentations and publications
Influence health policies and practices through evidence-based research
Strategic Initiatives
Our latest health literacy projects, developed in collaboration with local and national partners.
A community-wide effort that offers residents free access to Rewards for Healthy Living, an engaging digital platform that transforms health education into fun games, quizzes, videos, and more.
We promote health literacy in underserved communities by embedding digital health literacy software on all computers provided by PCs for People.
Collaborative research and education
Through our university and health systems partners, we evaluate the impact of health literacy levels on clinical outcomes.
Nonprofit network
We connect organizations to deliver innovative health literacy solutions and enhance community wellness.
Student internships
We provide local college students with hands-on experience in health-focused projects, promoting youth engagement in health literacy.
Workforce development
We develop health literacy education for workforce programs, ensuring a healthier, more productive workforce.
Early childhood development
We establish relationships with organizations focusing on youth to build a foundation of healthy habits from an early age.
Meet Our Team
George Y. Birdsong
President
Board Member
CEO & General Counsel
Birdsong Peanuts
Milton L. Brown, MD, PhD, FNAI
Chairman of the Board
Senior Associate Vice President for Research
Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ODU
Les Hall
Secretary & Treasurer
Board Member
Founder & CEO
Allfirst LLC
Sarah Jane Kirkland
Board Member
Associate Vice President for Corporate Partnerships
Old Dominion University
Trey Dudley, CFP
Board Member
Executive Vice President & Partner
First Financial Group
Maureen C. McDonnell
Director of Business Development & Communications
Roni Christopher, DHSc
Chief of Community Health Strategy
Alexandra Mikhail-Allen
Community Health Program Coordinator
What Local Leaders Are Saying
Through public-private partnerships, regional volunteerism, and community investment, we hope to reduce the cost of healthcare, make health a key economic driver, and transform our region for generations to come.
Gil Bland
President & CEO, Urban League of Hampton Roads
Through public-private partnerships, regional volunteerism, and community investment, we hope to reduce the cost of healthcare, make health a key economic driver, and transform our region for generations to come.
Gil Bland
President & CEO, Urban League of Hampton Roads
The BHLCOE is more than an organization. It represents a movement towards a healthier and brighter future for all residents, but especially those in underserved communities.
Milton L. Brown, MD, PhD, FNAI
Senior Associate Vice President for Research, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ODU
We are committed to establishing Hampton Roads as a national leader recognized for advancing health literacy, promoting healthy behaviors, and creating long-term sustainable prosperity for the region — and to serve as a model for the rest of the nation.
George Birdsong
President, The Birdsong Health Literacy Center of Excellence
In the News
Interviews
November 4, 2024
WVEC’s 13 News Now
Black Diamond Weekend Highlights Health Literacy
George Birdsong, President of the Birdsong Health Literacy Center of Excellence, and Blair Durham, Cofounder and CEO of Black BRAND, discuss the Black Diamond Weekend Business Conference and the role health literacy plays in supporting local businesses and promoting healthy communities. Health is wealth!
November 4, 2024
WVEC’s 13 News Now
Black Diamond Weekend Highlights Health Literacy
George Birdsong, President of the Birdsong Health Literacy Center of Excellence, and Blair Durham, Cofounder and CEO of Black BRAND, discuss the Black Diamond Weekend Business Conference and the role health literacy plays in supporting local businesses and promoting healthy communities. Health is wealth!
September 5, 2024
WTKR’s Coast Live
Birdsong Health Literacy Center of Excellence Shares Its Goals
George Birdsong, CEO of Birdsong Peanuts, and Thomas Chamberlain, Founder & CEO of EdLogics, introduce and discuss the goals and objectives of The Birdsong Health Literacy Center of Excellence.
Press Releases
PCs for People officially selects the Richmond-Hampton Roads mega region as its next expansion market, providing refurbished computers and computer literacy training and support to underserved residents and families.
LEARN MORE
October 1, 2024
7
min read
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Birdsong Health Literacy Center of Excellence Launched to Advance Health Literacy and Drive Economic Prosperity
LEARN MORE
December 5, 2024
3
min read
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Our Partners
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Become a Partner
Find out more about our philanthropic opportunities.
Maureen McDonnell