December 29, 2005

MAKE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO GET HEALTHIER IN 2006
(RICHMOND, Va.)—With the new year just around the corner, many Virginians will make resolutions to improve their health in 2006. Most of us know that we should work to be healthier by increasing physical activity, eating right, losing weight and quitting smoking. These habits can reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, or improve your health if you already have a chronic illness. The hard part is knowing where to start and keeping good health habits throughout the year.

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NEW INITIATIVE AIMED AT INCREASING HEALTH INSURANCE ACCESSIBILITY FOR VIRGINIA SMALL BUSINESS EMPLOYEES
Virginia State Planning Grant Program Will Provide Employers Useful Information On Area Health Insurance Options

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) launched a program today that will provide area-specific information about the costs and availability of health insurance plans to the state’s small business owners. The initiative is aimed at making health coverage more accessible for small business employees, who make up a substantial portion of Virginia’s uninsured population.

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MAINTAIN, DON’T GAIN DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Virginia Department of Health Offers Tips on Sensible Holiday Eating

(RICHMOND, Va.)—’Tis the season for celebrating with family and friends, but one tradition you don’t have to keep is gaining additional pounds during the holidays. Since food plays an important part in many holiday and family traditions, it is easy to see how this weight gain can happen. Unfortunately, even with the best intentions, people have a hard time losing the weight they gained when the holidays are over, and those extra pounds can add up over the years.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SUGGESTS GIVING THE GIFT OF HEALTH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
(RICHMOND, Va.)—Still searching for the perfect holiday gifts for your friends and family? In this season of giving, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has some suggestions that will help keep your family healthy and safe throughout the year. Try some of these ideas to encourage those on your shopping list to get in shape, eat right and prepare for emergencies.

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NEW INITIATIVE AIMED AT INCREASING HEALTH INSURANCE ACCESSIBILITY FOR VIRGINIA SMALL BUSINESS EMPLOYEES

WHAT: You are invited to attend a kickoff press conference as Governor-elect Tim Kaine announces new resources available to help small business owners make decisions regarding health insurance programs for their employees.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOGNIZES WORLD AIDS DAY
Nearly 40 Million People are Living with HIV Worldwide

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will join organizations across the world on Dec. 1 to recognize World AIDS Day (WAD). A global day of awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS, the World Health Organization declared the first WAD in 1988. Since then, it has been recognized and honored around the globe and established as one of the most successful commemorative days. AIDS service organizations, community-based organizations and local health departments across the Commonwealth will sponsor special testing events and educational programs observing WAD.

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STAY SAFE THIS WINTER BY PREVENTING CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE
(RICHMOND, Va.)—As we move into the winter months, Virginia citizens will be turning on their heat, increasing the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Due to rising gas and oil prices, this year may be especially hazardous as more people use alternative heating sources such as kerosene and wood to reduce their home heating costs. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds all Virginians to be aware of the causes and warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

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PEDIATRICS GROUP HONORS VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH VETERAN WITH CHILD ADVOCATE AWARD
(RICHMOND, Va.)—A career that began behind bars now touches the lives of each of the approximately 100,000 children born in Virginia each year. In 1968, Pat Dewey was providing one-on-one speech and language therapy to juvenile offenders. Today she manages the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program, which ensures the early identification and treatment of hearing loss for all children born in Virginia hospitals.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TALKS TURKEY
Tips for Preparing a Safe Thanksgiving Meal

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) wants to help all Virginians have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving by offering some easy tips on preparing the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. Safe storage and preparation of your holiday bird will help avoid food-borne illnesses such as salmonella and E. coli so you can enjoy the holiday with your family.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOMMENDS RADON TESTING IN HOMES
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers

(RICHMOND, Va.)—With the cold weather upon us, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges homeowners to protect their families by testing for radon. Radon is a gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Even though there are no immediate symptoms, radon becomes harmful at elevated levels when trapped inside of buildings.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LAUNCHES VIRGINIA’S FIRST STATEWIDE TOBACCO CESSATION PROGRAM
(RICHMOND, Va.)– Virginia tobacco users who want to kick the habit have a new tool at their disposal. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has launched a new, statewide toll-free cessation program, called Quit Now Virginia. It is available at (800) QUIT-NOW (784-8669).

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VIRGINIANS WITH DIABETES URGED TO TAKE CONTROL TO REDUCE SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS
November is National Diabetes Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)–Leona Rowe knew something was wrong. She was extremely thirsty and constantly tired, even though she got eight hours of sleep each night. After about two weeks, Rowe went to her doctor. A lab test revealed what her symptoms suggested. She had type 2 diabetes.

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LOCALITIES TO RECEIVE $5.4 MILLION FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
(RICHMOND, Va.)—Virginia cities and counties will receive $5,429,010 this year for emergency medical services ( EMS), a funding increase of more than $2 million from a year ago. The money is provided through a surcharge on the motor vehicle registration fee called “Four for Life,” collected by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and distributed to localities by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

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SENIORS URGED TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is encouraging all seniors 65 years and older to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. This serious disease can lead to infections of the lungs (pneumonia), the blood (bacteremia), and the covering of the brain (meningitis). Each year pneumococcal disease causes thousands of hospitalizations and deaths.

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MEDIA ADVISORY
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is piloting a campaign in the Richmond area to introduce a new resource for Virginians to help prevent child sexual abuse. The Stop It Now! toll-free national helpline, (888) PREVENT, (888) 773-8368, offers a safe and confidential opportunity for adults who are concerned about possible sexually inappropriate behaviors directed toward children to take appropriate steps toward promoting the safety of children and accountability of perpetrators. The campaign will consist of billboards, bus transit ads and radio ads in the Richmond area.

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VIRGINIA TO TEST EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Annual Statewide Drill Set for End of October

(RICHMOND, Va.)—With Hurricane Katrina reminding the entire country of the importance of emergency preparedness, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is sponsoring a five-state exercise to test emergency planning efforts. Virginia will partner with Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia to test and evaluate response efforts during a mock exercise on Oct. 24 through Oct. 27 in the western areas of the state.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOGNIZES NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARNESS DAY
Latinos Infected with HIV/AIDS Four Times More Often Than Whites

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will join organizations across the nation on Oct. 15 to recognize the Third Annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). A national day of awareness and prevention, NLAAD was created to encourage Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing to reduce the spread of the disease in the Latino community. AIDS service organizations, community-based organizations and local health departments across the Commonwealth will sponsor special testing events and educational programs encouraging Latinos to get tested for HIV.

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CALLS ON MEN TO HELP STOP RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
(RICHMOND, Va.)—A survey conducted by Virginia Department of Health (VDH) indicated that one in four women and one in eight men in Virginia have been victims of sexual assault. Most of these assaults were perpetrated by males, and according to a 2003 U.S. Department of Justice survey, more than 70 percent of victims are assaulted by someone they know.

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VIRGINIA RELEASES REPORT AS PART OF NATIONAL PROGRAM TO HELP REDUCE VIOLENT DEATHS
(RICHMOND, Va.)—When watching reports about violent deaths on the evening news, you may think the greatest threat for a violent death is from homicide. A report to be issued on Wednesday by the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shows that the higher risk of violent death is from suicide.

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OCTOBER RECOGNIZED AS “LET’S TALK MONTH” BY VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(RICHMOND, Va.)—Parents have tremendous influence on their children’s decision making. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) understands the importance of parents’ influence and proclaims October as “Let’s Talk Month” in Virginia.

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BREAST CANCER SCREENING REMOVES FEAR OF NOT KNOWING
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)—When it came to getting screened for breast cancer, Angela Gregory was, like a lot of women, scared. The Chesapeake mother of three put off getting a mammogram because she was afraid of what might show up on the X-ray.

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THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOMMENDS FLU VACCINATION
(RICHMOND, Va.)—As the flu season approaches, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is advising everyone to get vaccinated, especially those people who are at risk of developing complications from influenza. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza, or the flu, and its potentially severe complications.

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ROUTINE AIR SAMPLER DETECTION SYSTEM IN WASHINGTON, D.C. INDICATES RESULTS FROM POSSIBLE DISEASE AGENT
Sept. 24 Test Results Indicate Tularemia Bacteria

(RICHMOND, Va)—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notified the states of Maryland and Virginia and the District of Columbia today that an airborne form of Tularemia bacterium was detected by air sensors in the vicinity of the National Capital Mall during the weekend of Sept. 24 - 25. Since then, additional tests from these collectors have all been negative.

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MEDIA ADVISORY 

WHAT: Used Child Safety Seats to be Crushed by Monster Trucks

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 30, 2005 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: State Fair of Virginia, Richmond Raceway Complex in the Monster Truck Area

WHO: Statewide media outlets invited to cover the event.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AWARDS $3.3 MILLION TO NONPROFIT EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGENCIES
112 EMS Agencies and Organizations Receive Funds

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Governor Mark R. Warner announced on Sept. 15 that more than $3.3 million in grants has been awarded to 112 nonprofit emergency medical services ( EMS) agencies and organizations, primarily volunteer rescue squads. These Rescue Squad Assistance Fund matching grants, administered by the the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of EMS, were effective July 1, 2005.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BRINGS EDUCATION AND FUN TO THE STATE FAIR OF VIRGINIA
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will host three exhibits at the State Fair of Virginia Sept. 22 through Oct. 2 at the Richmond Raceway Complex. The exhibits will focus on preparing your family for an emergency, fitness and nutrition and helping parents talk to their kids about postponing sexual activity.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH VITAL RECORDS OFFICE ASSISTS KATRINA EVACUEES IN OBTAINING BIRTH CERTIFICATES
(RICHMOND, Va.)—When you have lost everything, a birth certificate can be the hardest thing to live without. Securing federal aid, enrolling in school, getting a new driver’s license, all of these require proof of identity to move forward. That is why the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Division of Vital Records is doing all it can to assist Hurricane Katrina evacuees who have relocated to Virginia in obtaining a new birth record.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH URGES CITIZENS TO TAKE A LOVED ONE FOR A CHECKUP
(RICHMOND, Va.)—Many people wait until there is an emergency before they go to the doctor, but the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) wants to remind Virginians of the importance of preventative care. Sept. 20 is Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day, when people are encouraged to take a friend or family member to a health care provider and take charge of their health.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OFFERS CHILD SAFETY SEATS TO ASSIST CHILDREN DISPLACED BY HURRICANE KATRINA
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is offering free child safety seats for eligible children relocating to Virginia due to Hurricane Katrina. The child safety seats are available to relocated children through Virginia’s low income safety seat distribution and education program until February 2006.

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HEALTH OFFICIALS URGE PARENTS TO CHECK THEIR CHILDREN’S TEST RESULTS FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE
September is Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month in Virginia

(RICHMOND , Va.)—Many of the 115,000 Virginians who carry the trait for sickle cell disease don’t realize that their child could inherit the painful blood disorder. In observance of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges all parents to find out if their child has the sickle cell gene, also called the sickle cell trait, especially if they are prone to carrying the disease.

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VIRGINIA SELECTED BY CDC TO RECEIVE INJURY PREVENTION FUNDING
(Richmond, Va.)—To support injury prevention and control efforts, the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Center for Injury and Violence Prevention will receive $600,000 over a five-year period from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The funding was awarded to enable Virginia to strengthen its injury and violence prevention and control programs and activities.

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VDH Designates Fairfax County and Harrisonburg-Rockingham as Accredited 911 Centers
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services ( EMS) has recognized Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications and Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center as accredited 911 centers.

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VDH ADVISES OF HEALTH RISK FROM PET RODENTS
(RICHMOND , Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is asking pet store owners that sell rodents such as mice, hamsters and guinea pigs to take extra precautions to limit the spread of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). LCMV is usually carried by wild house mice, but can also affect pet rodents. Those pet rodents can then pass the infection on to humans.

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MOTHERS, BREASTFEED YOUR BABY AND SAVE YOUR MILK MONEY
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The arrival of a new baby often sends parents searching for ways to cut household expenses. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) suggests that one way to save some money while improving the health of mother and baby is to breastfeed young children.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SEEKS INPUT FROM MINORITIES ON OBESITY PREVENTION
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is seeking input from minority groups on the problems they face preventing obesity and to solicit effective prevention strategies. The meeting is scheduled for Aug.10 and 11 at the Holiday Inn Select, 2801 Plank Road in Fredericksburg.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOGNIZES NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH
(RICHMOND , Va.)—You’ve got the pencils, notebook and gym shoes, but did you get the hepatitis B shot? Remember to add vaccinations to your checklist as you get ready for the new school year. August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is joining other organizations throughout the country to get the word out about preventing the spread of disease.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REMINDS PARENTS TO GIVE KIDS A HEALTHY START THIS SCHOOL YEAR
(RICHMOND , Va.)—Summer vacation is almost over and children across the Commonwealth will soon be heading back to school. Children need to be healthy to get the most out of their education, so the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) wants every student to be prepared with more than just backpacks and pencils. The VDH “Back to School, Back to Health” publication gives parents and children important information on how to stay safe, fit and healthy this school year.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATES FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
( RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued a new fish consumption advisory and has modified several existing advisories for various waterways throughout the Commonwealth. The advisories are in response to recent tissue sample tests conducted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

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Virginia Department of Health Launches New and Improved Web Site
Important Health Information is Just a Click Away

( RICHMOND, Va.)—We live in a fast-paced world, with the flow of information gaining speed every day. Recognizing the need to quickly find up-to-date information on important public health issues, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has redesigned its Web site, www.vdh.virginia.gov. The new user-friendly site makes important health information easily accessible with just a few mouse clicks.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO DISTRIBUTE FOLIC ACID TO PATIENTS IN SOME DISTRICTS
(RICHMOND, Va.)—Beginning in July, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will offer free folic acid supplements to family planning patients in 19 of its health districts. Studies have shown that daily consumption of 400 micrograms of the B vitamin folic acid can reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine such as spina bifida and anencephaly, the two most common neural tube birth defects, by as much as 70 percent.

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VIRGINIA ’S FIRST 2005 WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY IDENTIFIED IN HENRICO COUNTY MOSQUITOES
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that a mosquito pool collected in the Monument Avenue area of Henrico County tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first indication of West Nile virus activity in Virginia in 2005.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HONORS PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE OF THE YEAR
(RICHMOND, Va.)— For Pat Winter, director of nursing for the Western Tidewater Health District and recipient of the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) 2005 Public Health Nurse of the Year Award, the compassion and fortitude needed to be a public health nurse is all in a day’s work. Winter was an honored at a ceremony in late May recognizing her more than 20 years of effort in the assessment, planning, management, and evaluation of all public and clinical nursing programs.

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NEW VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROGRAM LOANS HEARING AIDS TO CHILDREN
(RICHMOND, Va.) – Children in Virginia who are facing delays in getting permanent hearing aids no longer have to wait. They can now borrow them from the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Hearing Aid Loan Bank.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SEEKS INPUT FROM RESIDENTS ON STATE PLAN TO HELP PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
(RICHMOND, Va.) – When people think of someone with a disability, they usually think of a physical disability that can be seen, such as a person in a wheel chair or one with a visual impairment. Actually, a disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities.

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TO MAKE E.COLI INFECTIONS RARE, VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAYS EAT BURGERS WELL DONE
(RICHMOND, Va.)—When the summer sun starts shining, patios and decks become home to barbeque grills, crowded with hamburgers. To keep your barbeque party a festive occasion for all who step up with a bun, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges charcoal chefs to thoroughly cook hamburgers to prevent illness from E. coli. So far in Virginia this year, 11 cases of illness caused by a certain bacteria, E. coli O157:H7, have been reported.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROMOTES NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY
(RICHMOND, Va.) —On June 27, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will join organizations across the nation to recognize the 11th annual National HIV Testing Day and encourage individuals to get tested for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Local health departments, AIDS service organizations and other community-based groups will provide extended testing hours, special testing events and public education as part of this year’s activities. Free, confidential test sites are available throughout the state with anonymous, oral and rapid testing available in some localities.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOMMENDS WATER SAFETY TIPS
(RICHMOND, Va.)— As warmer weather fosters more frequent participation in water sports, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds citizens of the Commonwealth about the importance of water safety, especially for children. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for Virginians under the age of 14. But it’s not just the deep end of the swimming pool that is a hazard. Children can drown in as little as one inch of water.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH AND GAME AND INLAND FISHERIES PROMOTE BAT AWARENESS AND SAFETY
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) are reminding residents that bats become more active and more visible in our communities during the spring. Bats make important contributions to our environment, but like other wild animals, they can carry potentially fatal diseases such as rabies.

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FISH KILLS IN EASTERN VIRGINIA NOT PFIESTERIA RELATED
(RICHMOND, Va.)— Scientists from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Old Dominion University (ODU) have determined that fish kills on the Back River, the Poquoson River, and the East River in late March were not related to Pfiesteria. From March 25 to March 30, a series of fish kills were reported by the public and investigated by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

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VIRGINIA’S TOP WATER SYSTEMS HONORED FOR PROTECTING DRINKING WATER
(RICHMOND, Va.)—As part of National Drinking Water Week (May 1-7) the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is recognizing Virginia water supply systems statewide that have surpassed state and federal regulations for the protection of community drinking water.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH URGES PARTICIPATION IN QUIZ FOR NATIONAL DAY TO PREVENT TEEN PREGNANCY
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges parents, educators and teens to visit www.teenpregnancy.org on May 4 to participate in the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Quiz. The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is part of a month-long effort to focus attention on teenage pregnancy and related issues. Participation in the quiz emphasizes the importance of teens acting responsibly to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOGNIZES NATIONAL INFANT IMMUNIZATION WEEK
RICHMOND, Va.—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will kick off National Infant Immunization Week April 24 through April 30. The 2005 campaign slogan is “Love them. Protect them. Immunize them. Vaccination: An Act of Love.” Local health departments will sponsor activities throughout the week to spread awareness about immunizations, improve immunization coverage levels, and promote access to health services.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OFFERS TIPS ON HOW PARENTS CAN TALK TO THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT
(Richmond, Va.)— Surveys conducted by the Virginia Department of Health’s Center for Injury and Violence Prevention (CIVP) indicate that one in four women and one in eight men in Virginia have been a victim of sexual assault in their lifetime. To combat this issue, CIVP is encouraging Virginians to become involved in recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCES NERVE AGENT ANTIDOTE SUPPLIES NOW AVAILABLE STATEWIDE
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that as part of its ongoing public health preparedness efforts, antidotes for common nerve agents have been delivered to selected hospitals and emergency first responder facilities across the Commonwealth. The antidotes are supplied by the Strategic National Stockpile CHEMPACK Project.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOGNIZES NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK 2005
(Richmond, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is recognizing April 4-11 as National Public Health Week (NPHW) by reaching out to communities and encouraging Virginians to “Live Stronger, Longer,” through healthy living.

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STATE BOARD OF HEALTH ADOPTS CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL AS ITS TOP PRIORITY
(Richmond, Va.)—The Virginia Board of Health has announced that the prevention and control of chronic disease, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, will be its top priority. The Board has formally issued a set of public policy goals and objectives to help combat chronic disease in Virginia.

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Virginia Department of Health Commemorates World Tuberculosis Day 2005
(Richmond, Va.) –The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is recognizing March 24 as World Tuberculosis (TB) Day by actively promoting TB awareness through continuing education programs for medical providers and the general public.

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THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SEEKS INPUT FROM RESIDENTS AND HEALTH PROVIDERS ON SERVICES FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN
(Richmond, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is asking residents and health care providers for their views on the public health policies and services that are provided to women, infants and children in the state. It’s all part of a five-year needs assessment and plan, which are required for continuation of the $26 million Maternal and Child Health Block Grant that the health department administers.

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GOVERNOR WARNER AWARDS $3.3 MILLION TO NON-PROFIT EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGENCIES
120 EMS Agencies and Organizations Receive Awards

(Richmond, Va.) – Governor Mark R. Warner has announced that more than $3.3 million in grants has been awarded to 120 non-profit emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and organizations, primarily volunteer rescue squads. The matching grants, totaling $3,303,428, were awarded by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). These Rescue Squad Assistance Fund grants, administered by the VDH Office of EMS, were effective January 1, 2005.

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HEALTH DISTRICTS CONTINUE RESPONSE TO POSITIVE SCREENINGS FOR ANTHRAX
(Richmond, Va.)— The Fairfax and Arlington health districts continue to coordinate with federal, state, and local officials to respond to yesterday’s reports of positive screenings for Bacillus anthracis, the agent that causes anthrax. These signals were detected by two Department of Defense (DOD) air sampling sensors.

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HEALTH DISTRICTS RESPOND TO POSITIVE SCREENING SIGNALS FOR ANTHRAX FROM DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SITES
(Richmond, Va.)—The Fairfax and Arlington health districts in coordination with federal, state, and local officials are responding to positive screening signals for Bacillus anthracis, the agent that causes anthrax, detected by two Department of Defense air sampling sensors.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SEEKS INPUT TO REDUCE OBESITY IN THE STATE
(Richmond, Va.) –Beginning in March, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will host eight planning meetings to get input from residents on how to prevent and control obesity in the state. VDH is inviting representatives from school, civic, business, government, medical and faith organizations to participate in the Commonwealth’s Healthy Approach and Mobilization Plan for Inactivity, Obesity and Nutrition, or CHAMPION.

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HEALTH DISTRICTS URGE CAUTION ON COSMETIC INJECTIONS ADMINISTERED IN NON-HEALTHCARE SETTINGS
(Fairfax, Va.)—Local health departments in Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland are investigating an outbreak of serious skin reactions among at least 16 women who have developed the condition after receiving cosmetic injections in October and November 2004.

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MEDIA ADVISORY
The Virginia Department of Health is supporting a conference on human trafficking being hosted by the Virginia Department of Social Services Office of Newcomer Services, and Commonwealth Catholic Charities. Human trafficking is a crime which subjects people to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of forced labor or sexual exploitation. Law enforcement professionals, social workers, and health care personnel are expected to attend the conference which will provide tips for identifying and helping victims of human trafficking.

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STATE HEALTH COMMISSIONER TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS REGARDING INFLUENZA VACCINE SHORTAGE
(Richmond, Va.)—State Health Commissioner Robert B. Stroube, M.D., M.P.H. testified before the U.S. Committee on Government Reform this morning in Washington, D.C. regarding the influenza vaccine shortage. This was the Commissioner's fourth appearance before this committee on issues involving the influenza vaccine.

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THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH URGES YOU TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN DURING CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
(Richmond, Va.)—Child Passenger Safety Week, February 13-19, 2005 emphasizes the importance of safely transporting children throughout their childhood. During this week and year round, the Virginia Department of Health’s Center for Injury and Violence Prevention is encouraging parents and caregivers to buckle up their children, on every ride, and to educate children about safety in and around vehicles.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH JOINS NATIONWIDE RESPONSE TO AIDS CRISIS AMONG AFRICAN-AMERICANS
(Richmond, Va.)— On February 7, 2005, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will join more than 700 agencies across the United States to offer public education programs designed to reduce the growing epidemic of HIV in the African-American community.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOGNIZES FEBRUARY AS ABSTINENCE PROMOTION MONTH
(Richmond, VA)—The Virginia Department of Health recognizes February as Abstinence Promotion Month and cites data from U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that show sexual abstinence among teens has contributed to declines in teen pregnancy rates in the U.S.

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF RABIES VACCINATIONS FOR PETS
(Richmond, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health is reminding residents that they play an essential role in preventing the spread of rabies. Rabies Awareness Week kicks off on January 16, 2005, and the state health department is encouraging pet owners to mark this date by making sure their companion animals’ rabies vaccinations are up-to-date.

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VIRGINIANS CAN SEE VIRGINIA HMO QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Richmond, Virginia—Virginia Health Information (VHI), an independent nonprofit health information company, publishes Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) quality information at www.vhi.org. The VHI information covers a broad range of HMO performance in six areas and includes almost seventy separate measures. Key areas of HMO performance are compared including access to care, effectiveness of care, disease prevention, member satisfaction and financial performance. VHI publishes this information to help Virginians choose the best HMO for their needs.

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