Community FIRST works for you

By Melissa BarnhouseSeptember 3, 2009

FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- Often referred to as a "mini-AFAP," Community FIRST, a component of Belvoir's new Customer Management Services program, allows Fort Belvoir community members a chance to improve programs and services by recommending solutions to issues.

Community FIRST enhances the Army Family Action Plan process by allowing local issues to be addressed quickly by appropriate agencies. Delegates participate in focus groups, held quarterly, where constituent groups are brought together to voice concerns that pertain to their specific group.

Issues deemed "higher than local installation resolution" are immediately forwarded to the AFAP program manager for inclusion in the annual AFAP process.

This year, 28 issues have been submitted through Community FIRST. Seven of these issues have been completed, three forwarded to be worked through AFAP, and 18 are in active status being worked toward resolution. The following highlights several of the issues that have been submitted:

Aca,!Ac Disruptive noise in housing areas. Many residents living on post expressed the opinion there was excessive noise in housing areas during the day, especially during summer. The Fort Belvoir Police reminds residents excessive noise, even during the day, is a violation of the noise ordinance. Residents are advised to call the police desk immediately if they experience a violation of the ordinance. When calling, please provide as much information about the person or vehicle as possible (location, type and color of car, license plate, direction of travel, etc).

Aca,!Ac Privacy at emergency room reception. Some patrons using the DeWitt Emergency Room voiced a concern about privacy while at the reception desk. A response from DeWitt states the current location of the ER was not initially designed to function as a modern ER. As a result, some of the privacy considerations ERs generally have are not available. This, however, will change once the new hospital opens. In the interim, several means throughout the ER provide for patient privacy. When presenting for ER intake, there is a sign to have patients wait away from the person currently at the ER window. Patients can also ask the ER clerk for paper to write down their health concerns. Additionally, patients can ask to speak privately with an ER nurse.

Aca,!Ac Evening fitness programs for toddlers. Another concern for Belvoir community members was the lack of fitness programs and activities during the evening hours for toddler aged children. In response to this request, Child Youth and School Services will offer programs for this age group through their instructional classes program this fall.

For a complete listing of issues or for more information on how to submit an issue or participate in a focus group, contact your Fort Belvoir customer service officer, 703-805-9577 or melissa. barnhouse1@us.army.mil.