Melrose Plaza Opens in Northwest Roanoke

On July 31, Roanoke’s newest neighborhood center officially opened its doors. Hundreds of community members, leaders and legislators came out to celebrate the grand opening of Melrose Plaza: a vibrant community hub that connects Northwest Roanoke residents to resources and services that improve health and well-being.

Data from our Community Health Assessments shows that residents of Northwest Roanoke face significant health and socioeconomic challenges, including high rates of poor physical and mental health, hypertension, gun violence and low life expectancy. Led by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, Melrose Plaza is addressing these needs by turning a former Goodwill campus into a one-stop destination for health and wellness. Community members can conveniently access services including a grocery store, wellness center, Bank of Botetourt branch, Melrose Library, the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and the Excel Center — Virginia’s first adult high school.

We are proud to partner with Goodwill and other community organizations on this transformative project. In addition to a financial investment in Melrose Plaza, we will provide:

• Up to 15 annual paid internships for adult high school students
• Access to a community health worker, who will connect area residents to primary care, Medicaid, health education, health screenings and other resources
• Health education classes on topics like healthy eating, mental health and chronic disease management
• Chronic disease screenings and immunizations
• A rotating art gallery, open studio space for self-guided art creation and educational classes

“One of the most powerful aspects of this project is that it meets people where they are, bringing support into their own neighborhood in a trusted, accessible space that makes it easier for families to engage, seek help and take steps toward better health,” said Chief Physician Executive Rawle Seupaul, MD, at the Grand Opening event. “Melrose Plaza is a powerful reminder that when we listen to communities, partner with purpose and act on shared values, we can create lasting change.”

For more information on the free programs we’ll be offering at the Wellness on Melrose resource center, visit CarilionClinic.org/Melrose-Plaza.