Medical directives
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital President Rita Bunch is stepping down on September 13. Bunch has served as division president for the hospital since January 2022, and will be joining the Erlanger health system in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve the Charlottesville community and lead Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital over the past 2.5 years,” said Bunch in an August 19 press release announcing her departure. “The dedication and passion of our team have been truly inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such committed professionals. I will always cherish the time I spent here and the meaningful impact we’ve made together.”
With Bunch leaving soon, SMJH is searching for a new president. In the interim, Regional President Paul Gaden will fill the position, according to Corporate Communications and Public Relations Advisor Alyssa Pacheco.
“Sentara is dedicated to finding a leader who will build on the solid foundation already in place and continue advancing our mission of improving health every day,” Pacheco told C-VILLE in an emailed statement. Bunch and Gaden are collaborating on a transition plan, with the hospital focusing “on maintaining continuity and ensuring that the hospital continues to provide the highest level of care during this leadership change.”
The change in leadership comes amid heavy legal scrutiny for Sentara Health, which is being investigated by the Department of Justice for allegedly misleading regulators and potential price gouging in 2018 and 2019.
Trickle down
At press time, residents of eastern Orange County remain under a Do Not Drink water advisory after hydrocarbons were detected at the Wilderness Water Treatment Plant on August 21. The advisory applies to all WWTP customers, including the Lake of the Woods, Wilderness Shores, Somerset, Edgewood, Germanna Heights, Twin Lakes communities, Germanna Community College Locust Grove campus, and several restaurants and businesses along Route 3.
The contamination was discovered when a “petroleum odor” was reported by plant employees on August 21, prompting water testing. Officials have not confirmed the specific contaminant or its source, but have said the hydrocarbons detected are not volatile organic compounds.
WWTP customers were originally placed under a Do Not Use advisory, but the warning was deescalated to a Do Not Drink Advisory by the Rapidan Service Authority and the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water on August 25.
The petroleum smell has reportedly decreased, but not completely disappeared. As of press time, WWTP customers should continue to avoid consumption of tap water in any form—including drinking, food preparation, dishwashing, or brushing teeth.
For more information and updates on the advisory, visit vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/wilderness-water-treatment-plant-contamination.
Hay there
Cassiopeia Foundation has publicly confirmed its purchase of the Foxfield property in Albemarle County, ensuring the continuation of the iconic Foxfield Races. While the purchase of the property took place in February, the nonprofit officially confirmed it was the buyer—under the name Foxfield Land Preservation LLC—to Daily Progress reporter Emily Hemphill on August 23.
First up
Students are back on Grounds at the University of Virginia, and will soon file into Scott Stadium for the first home football game of the year against the Richmond Spiders on August 31. Second-year Anthony Colandrea will be the Hoos’ starting quarterback against the University of Richmond, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm.
Going to the dogs (and cats!)
Two Men and a Truck Charlottesville launched its Movers for Mutts campaign on August 19, collecting donations for the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA through the end of October at locations around town. Items needed include blankets, pet food, treats, leashes, toys, litter, and towels. For a full list of donation sites and items, visit either the Two Men and a Truck or CASPCA website.