December 7, 2011
STATE OFFICIALS LAUNCH ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE REGISTRY
New registry helps fulfill health care and end-of-life wishes for Virginians
(Richmond, Va.) The Commonwealth of Virginia today launched its statewide Advance Health Care Directive Registry (AHCDR). An Advance Health Care Directive lets other people know the types of health care you do and do not want in the event you are unable to express your wishes on your own. The secure registry, available to all legal Virginia residents, stores documents that detail and protect health care wishes in the event a person is unable to speak for themselves. These documents include medical power of attorney, do-not-resuscitate orders and other health care wishes. more>>
November 17, 2011
Governor McDonnell Proclaims November 17th as Rural Health Day in Virginia
Health Officials Stress Importance of Rural Health to Virginia’s Vitality
(Richmond, Va.) Recognizing that the health of Virginia’s rural communities influences the overall health of the Commonwealth, Governor Bob McDonnell declares today, November 17, “Rural Health Day” in Virginia. more>>
November 16, 2011
VIRGINIA CELEBRATES HEALTHY BABIES IN HEALTHY FAMILIES
November 17th is World Prematurity Awareness Day
(Richmond, Va.) Virginia has much to celebrate on World Prematurity Awareness Day. The number of late preterm births has decreased; teen pregnancy rates have dropped; more women in Virginia are insured and the smoking rate among women has declined. Additionally, WIC enrollment and breastfeeding rates have gone up. more>>
November 7, 2011
NEW WEBSITE AND STUDENT REGISTRY GIVE STATE A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN RECRUITING AND RETAINING HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
Robust Health Care Workforce is Vital for a Healthy Virginia
(Richmond, Va.) The Virginia Department of Health recently unveiled a new resource aimed at bolstering the state’s health care workforce. The Choose Virginia website, www.choosevirginia.net, provides resources to potential and existing health care professionals, even providing assistance to secondary school students beginning to explore career options. more>>
November 4, 2011
COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Fluoridation Program Protects Residents and Saves Health Care Costs
(Richmond, Va.)-The Virginia Department of Health announced this week the recipients of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Water Fluoridation Quality Awards. The honor recognizes community water systems that met a number of stringent community water fluoridation requirements throughout 2010. more>>
November 2, 2011
RABID SKUNK IS CONFIRMED IN FRISCO YARD, SCOTT COUNTY; RESIDENTS SHOULD REPORT POSSIBLE EXPOSURES
(WEBER CITY, Va.) – The Scott County Health Department has confirmed that a skunk collected October 26, 2011 from the Frisco Yard area of the Yuma community tested positive for rabies infection. This is the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Scott County this year.
The Virginia Department of Health asks that residents immediately notify the Scott County Health Department at 276-386-1312 or Scott County Animal Control at 276-386-6521 if they have pets that may have been exposed to this skunk, or to report any animal acting unusually aggressive or passive, or that appears to be ill. more>>
October 31, 2011
LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS OFFER FREE BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENINGS FOR ELIGIBLE WOMEN
(CHRISTIANSBURG, Va.) – Fifteen to thirty percent of women in the New River Valley lack access to services for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer. “Early detection reduces death rates, offers treatment options and ultimately can increase survival rates and improve the quality of life for women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer,” said Molly O’Dell, MD, director of the New River Health District. “The Virginia Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program provides vital resources to help women minimize the risks associated with these illnesses.” more>>
October 25, 2011
Health Officials Announce Vendor to Oversee Statewide Health Information Exchange System to Improve Delivery of Health Care Services to Patients
RICHMOND — Secretary of Health and Human Resources William Hazel, Jr., MD, announced today that a selection has been made for a vendor to manage the statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE). Community Health Alliance, a non-profit Virginia-based organization, will be responsible for the creation and governance of the statewide HIE, a secure, confidential, electronic system where a patient’s records will be accessible to other health care providers throughout the nation if a patient chooses to participate. Once implemented, the statewide HIE will improve the speed in which patients receive care, especially if the patient is receiving care from a physician other than their primary care provider. more>>
October 18, 2011
BREAST HEALTH SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS; FREE FOR ELIGIBLE WOMEN
-- October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month --
(WISE, Va.) – The LENOWISCO Health District, which serves individuals in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton, encourages women in our communities to learn about breast health education and free screening programs that are available through the local health department. more>>
October 18, 2011
WIC PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS IN CUMBERLAND PLATEAU
(LEBANON, Va.) -- A wonderful resource is now available to pregnant women and mothers in the Cumberland Plateau Health District who are currently breastfeeding, or who plan to do so upon their baby’s arrival. The WIC Program, which stands for Women, Infants and Children, will host meetings for a Breastfeeding Support Group later this month in Dickenson and Russell counties. Similar programs were held earlier in October in Buchanan and Tazewell counties. more>>
October 18, 2011
GET YOUR SEASONAL FLU VACCINE NOW AT LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS IN CENTRAL SHENANDOAH
(STAUNTON, Va.) –Seasonal flu vaccine is available and being offered by appointment only in each health department within the Central Shenandoah Health District. The fee for the vaccine is $30 per dose and is covered by Medicare and Medicaid. more>>
October 18, 2011
GET YOUR SEASONAL FLU VACCINE AT THE HENRY-MARTINSVILLE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN MARTINSVILLE
(MARTINSVILLE, Va.) – Starting this week, the Henry-Martinsville Health Department will offer seasonal flu vaccine on a walk-in basis at the health department offices at 295 Commonwealth Blvd. in Martinsville. No appointment is needed. The vaccine will be available each Monday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.; and each Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. more>>
October 18, 2011
HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS COMMUNITY HEALTH TRAINING PROGRAM, BEGINNING OCTOBER 25
-Sharing Knowledge About Health Issues and Healthcare Resources-
(WISE, Va.) – The LENOWISCO Health District is pleased to announce an exciting, new, free health promotion training program funded by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Minority Health and Health Equity. The District will partner with local faith-based organizations to offer the Community Health Ambassadors Program (CHAP), an eight-week free health promotion training series that focuses on health issues, educational and healthcare resources in the community and how individuals can share what they learn with others in their families and communities. more>>
September 26, 2011
WEST PIEDMONT HEALTH DISTRICT AND LOCAL VETERINARIANS URGE PET VACCINATIONS AGAINST RABIES
(Martinsville, Va.) – The West Piedmont Health District (Henry, Patrick and Franklin counties) and local veterinarians are urging people to “Protect the Ones You Love; Vaccinate for Rabies!” This important message is the focus of this year’s Rabies Awareness Week, Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, 2011. more>>
September 21, 2011
LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND VETERINARIANS URGE PET VACCINATIONS AGAINST RABIES
(Roanoke, Va.) – TheRoanoke and Alleghany Health Districts, the Roanoke Valley Veterinary Medical Association and local veterinarians are urging people to “Protect the Ones You Love. Vaccinate Your Pets.” This important message is the focus of this year’s Rabies Awareness Week, Sept. 26 to Oct. 2. more>>
September 21, 2011
TWO MORE ANIMAL RABIES CASES CONFIRMED IN TAZEWELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA
(TAZEWELL, Va.) – The Tazewell County Health Department has confirmed that a skunk collected September 19, 2011 from the Sweetbrier Ln. area of the Burke’s Garden community and a bat collected the same day from the Middle Creek area of Cedar Bluff tested positive for rabies infection. Seven cases of animal rabies – including these two - have now been confirmed in Tazewell County this year. more>>
September 16, 2011
BAT IN LEE COUNTY CONFIRMED RABID
(JONESVILLE, Va.) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that a bat collected in August in the Cumberland Gap Historical Park was rabid. The bat was found dead in a cave by a U.S. Park Service employee and tested by CDC. more>>
September 16, 2011
FREE DIABETES CLASSES OFFERED BY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
(WISE, Va.) – The LENOWISCO Health District has good news about diabetes. People who keep their blood glucose as close to normal as possible in the early years after they are diagnosed with diabetes have fewer problems with their eyes, nerves, and kidneys, and fewer heart problems later in life. more>>
September 16, 2011
SEASONAL FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE BEGINNING THIS MONTH AT LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
(WISE, Va.) – The 2011-2012 flu season is just around the corner and local health departments are gearing up to offer this year’s flu vaccine at clinics in all local offices and at community locations such as businesses, organizations and schools throughout the district. Businesses and organizations that wish to schedule flu vaccine clinics for 10 or more individuals at their location should contact their local health department. more>>
September 12, 2011
HEALTH DEPARTMENTS OFFER FREE, CONFIDENTIAL HIV TESTING ON SEPTEMBER 27
-- Testing for sexually transmitted illnesses also is available weekly --
(MARTINSVILLE, Va.) – On Tuesday, September 27, 2011 the West Piedmont Health District will hold special clinics to provide free, confidential testing for HIV. These clinics will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. more>>
September 9, 2011
SEASONAL FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE BEGINNING THIS MONTH AT LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
(MARTINSVILLE, Va.) – The 2011-2012 flu season is just around the corner and local health departments are gearing up to offer this year’s flu vaccine at clinics in all local offices. more>>
September 6, 2011
IMMUNIZATION RATES IMPROVE IN VIRGINIA
More children protected against vaccine-preventable diseases
(Richmond, VA) As summer comes to a close and a new school year begins, parents have been busy ensuring their children have all the vaccines they need for the first day of school. New state-by-state survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that due to parents’ and providers’ efforts, immunization rates for children and adolescents in Virginia have significantly improved for most vaccines. more>>
September 2, 2011
VIRGINIA HEALTH OFFICIAL APPOINTED TO TOP TENNESSEE POST
Cumberland Plateau Health District Director Dr. John J. Dreyzehner accepts position as Tennessee State Health Commissioner
(Richmond, Va.) – John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, FACOEM, will leave the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) after nine years of service to become Tennessee’s State Health Commissioner, effective September 16, 2011. more>>
August 31, 2011
HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS DURING IRENE CLEANUP
Generator safety precautions can help prevent poisoning
(RICHMOND, Va.)—Use of gas-powered appliances and charcoal or gas grills following Hurricane Irene can be associated with increased injuries and deaths due to carbon monoxide. As many Virginians have begun using alternate means to provide electricity and cooking capabilities, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging the public to take steps to prevent carbon monoxide exposure that can be a silent killer after a storm. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas and is highly poisonous. more>>
August 31, 2011
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUES PRECAUTIONS FOR RESTAURANTS REGARDING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY
(RICHMOND, Va.)—Many restaurants are reopening after Hurricane Irene, but they need to take appropriate precautions to ensure food and water safety. The risk of food poisoning is heightened when refrigerators and ovens are inoperable. Discard any food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture. more>>
August 26, 2011
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLOSES CHESAPEAKE BAY AND SEASIDE EASTERN SHORE TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that Virginia’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore west of and including the Virginia Inside Passage, also known as the Intracoastal Waterway, will be closed to shellfish harvesting due to anticipated severe weather associated with Hurricane Irene. more>>
August 24, 2011
HEALTH OFFICIALS PROVIDE POST-EARTHQUAKE ADVICE TO WELL OWNERS
Owners should inspect structural integrity and check water clarity
(Richmond, Va.) In the aftermath of the August 23rd earthquake, private well owners may notice changes in the appearance of their water supplies or may have concerns about the quality of their water supply. Well owners should inspect the structural integrity of their well and also the clarity of the water coming from the well. more>>
August 21, 2011
Health Officials Inform Travelers of Possible Measles Exposure
Amtrak Northeast Regional train #171 (Massachusetts to Virginia) on August 17 only; Passengers should check vaccination status
(RICHMOND, Va.) Out of an abundance of caution, the Virginia Department of Health is informing people who were passengers on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train #171 on Wednesday, August 17, 2011, that they may have been exposed to a person with measles. more>>
August 13, 2011
HEALTH OFFICIALS REMIND VIRGINIANS TO PRACTICE HEALTHY SWIMMING BEHAVIORS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER
Germs on and in swimmers' bodies can make people sick; caution recommended regarding swimming in stagnant or shallow freshwater when temperature rises
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health reminds everyone about the steps they can take to prevent recreational water illnesses. more>>
August 5, 2011
MORE VIRGINIA MOTHERS CHOOSE TO BREASTFEED
Breastfed Babies are Healthier, Less Likely to Be Obese
(Richmond, Va.) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2011 Breastfeeding Scorecard shows that more women in Virginia are choosing to breastfeed their babies. The rate of women initiating breastfeeding has increased to 79.1 percent in 2008 from 75.3 percent in 2007. These rates exceed the national rate of 74.6 percent, and exceed the goal of Healthy People 2010. more>>
July 7, 2011
RABID CAT CONFIRMED IN HENRY COUNTY
(MARTINSVILLE, Va.) – An adult cat in the vicinity of Spruce Pine Ln., near the intersection of Route 57 West and Bowens Creek Rd. in Henry County, has been confirmed to be rabid. The cat - described as gray with some small areas of tan and white, and limping in its hindquarters - reportedly bit three people. The cat was found dead on Sunday, July 3, 2011 and was sent for rabies testing on Tuesday, July 5, 2011. Lab results received today confirmed the presence of rabies. more>>
July 7, 2011
RED FOX BITE IN BOTETOURT COUNTY
(FINCASTLE, Va.) – On Saturday, July 2, 2011 Botetourt County Animal Control received a report that a red fox ran into a yard on Mt. Pleasant Church Rd. in Botetourt County, attacked and bit a person, then ran into the woods and has not been seen since. There are no additional reported incidents of direct contact with this fox by humans or domestic animals at this time. more>>
July 5, 2011
FOX ATTACKS PUPPY AND OWNER IN ROCKY MOUNT
(ROCKY MOUNT, Va.) – A gray fox attacked a puppy on Sunday, July 3, 2011 on Sunset Ridge Rd. in Rocky Mount. During this attack the puppy’s owner also was bitten by the fox, which then disappeared into the forest and is still at large. Sunset Ridge Rd. is located near the intersection of Rt. 40 West and Six Mile Post Rd. in Rocky Mount. more>>
June 16, 2011
NUTRITION CLINIC OPENS JUNE 21 IN AXTON FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN
Open each third Tuesday at Mount Vernon Baptist Church
(AXTON, VA) -- The West Piedmont Health District (Virginia Department of Health) will open a satellite clinic for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) beginning June 21, 2011. more>>
June 10, 2011
LENOWISCO HEALTH DISTRICT RECOMMENDS HANDLING FOOD SAFELY WHILE OUTDOORS
(WISE, Va.) -- This time of year many people plan and attend picnics, cookouts, and other outdoor parties, but eating outdoors in warm weather presents a food safety challenge. Harmful bacteria that can be in food grow faster at temperatures between 40° F and 140° F, so the basics of food safety are especially important when outdoors in the heat. more>>
June 10, 2011
SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, IN COOPERATION WITH THE SCOTT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND AREA VETERINARIANS, ANNOUNCES RABIES CLINICS
(GATE CITY, Va.) -- The Scott County Board of Supervisors in cooperation with the Scott County Health Department and area veterinarians are having rabies clinics in several locations, Monday, June 13, 2011 through Friday, June 17, 2011. more>>
June 3, 2011
WEST PIEDMONT HEALTH DISTRICT EARNS PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RECOGNITION
West Piedmont Health District is Honored as “Public Health Ready”
(MARTINSVILLE, Va.) -- As local health departments nationwide strive to protect the public from new and infectious diseases, bioterrorism, natural disasters and other public health threats, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has recognized West Piedmont Health District for its ability to respond to public health emergencies. more>>
May 26, 2011
Charlottesville-Albemarle Health Department Informing Residents of Possible Measles Exposure on Friday, May 20, 2011
(Charlottesville, Va.) Out of an abundance of caution, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Health Department is informing the public of two cases of measles because there may have been exposures in the community. more>>
May 25, 2011
REMINDER: STATE DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS MOVING TO NEW LOCATION
Office to Close May 25-30
(Richmond, Va.) The Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records is moving from its current location at The Shops at Willow Lawn in Richmond, Virginia. more>>
May 18, 2011
RABID RACCOON IN BURKE’S GARDEN AREA OF TAZEWELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA
(TAZEWELL, Va.) – The Tazewell County Health Department has received confirmation that a raccoon collected May 10, 2011 from the Litz Lane area of the Burke’s Garden community tested positive for rabies infection. This is the second confirmed case of animal rabies in Tazewell County this year. more>>
May 12, 2011
Virginia Department of Health Announces 2011 Nurse of the Year
Fairfax County Health Department Nurse Honored
(RICHMOND, Va.) For nearly a century, public health nurses have played a critical role in responding to emergencies. Most recently, Virginia public health nurses served on the frontlines during recovery efforts after an unprecedented number of tornadoes cut a path of destruction through the state. During the response to these storms, public health nurses provided support and essential care, such as triaging injuries and illness, providing vaccinations to prevent disease and helping hundreds of residents prevent further injury after the storms. more>>
May 10, 2011
STATE DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS MOVING TO NEW LOCATION
Office to Close May 25-30
(Richmond, Va.) The Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records is moving from its current location at The Shops at Willow Lawn in Richmond, Virginia. more>>
May 2, 2011
MANAGING DIABETES: IT’S NOT EASY, BUT IT’S WORTH IT
-Lee, Scott and Wise Co. Health Depts. offer free diabetes classes-
(NORTON, Va.) – The LENOWISCO Health District has good news about diabetes. People who keep their blood glucose as close to normal as possible in the early years after they are diagnosed with diabetes have fewer problems with their eyes, nerves, and kidneys, and fewer heart problems later in life. more>>
April 29, 2011
REGION’S HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS RECEIVE PERTUSSIS UPDATE
(BLOUNTVILLE, Tn.) – Yesterday, the Mountain Empire Epidemiology Task Force conducted a continuing education conference titled “Pertussis Update - Preventing Whooping Cough Outbreaks.” Pertussis has been on the rise in recent years, increasing 72 percent in Virginia from 2009 to 2010, and nearly tripling in Tennessee between 2007 and 2010. More than 40 family practice providers, pediatricians, hospital emergency room clinicians, obstetricians and gynecologists, nurse practitioners and nurses discussed the clinical aspects of pertussis and public health preparedness and response to outbreaks, including the recent outbreak that sickened more than 30 people in Floyd County, Virginia. The conference was held at the Sullivan County Health Department in Blountville, Tennessee. more>>
April 26, 2011
LENOWISCO hEALTH dISTRICT Receives Grant from komen TRI-CITIES AFFILIATE TO MAKE BREAST HEALTH SERVICES MORE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE
(WISE, Va.) – The Tri-Cities Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has awarded $37,174 to the LENOWISCO Health District to provide breast screening and diagnostic services to women who are uninsured or underinsured, and between the ages of 18 and 64 years. more>>
April 15, 2011
“WOMEN’S AFTERNOON OUT” SUPPORTS BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS
(CHRISTIANSBURG, Va.) – The American Cancer Society’s New River Valley Breast Health Team is hosting “Women’s Afternoon Out”. This fun and informative event will be held on Tuesday, May 3, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Pulaski County Health Department located at 170 4th St., NW, Pulaski. The event is free. Registration is requested, but not required. more>>
April 14, 2011
Funding Available for Organizations Serving Summer Meals to Virginia Children
Deadline to apply for this year’s Summer Food Service Program is April 29, 2011.
(Richmond, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is looking for organizations that can serve meals to children during the summer months. Organizations that participate in the Summer Food Service Program will be reimbursed by VDH for the meals that are served as well as the administrative costs of serving the meals. New participants also will receive training and technical assistance from VDH. more>>
April 13, 2011
KNOW YOUR STATUS: APRIL IS NATIONAL STD AWARENESS MONTH
(LYNCHBURG, Va.) – The Central Virginia Health District recognizes April 2011 as STD Awareness Month. The goal is to raise awareness about the impact of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), on the health of Central Virginia. STIs pose a serious public health threat, particularly to young women, African Americans, men who have sex with men, and individuals living in poverty or who have limited access to healthcare. more>>
April 6, 2011
PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH) CONTINUES TO CIRCULATE IN VIRGINIA
Vaccination is most effective way to prevent pertussis. Boosters recommended for teens and adults.
(Richmond, Va.) – With spring break just around the corner and the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends, the Virginia Department of Health urges everyone to take precautions to prevent the spread of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. more>>
April 5, 2011
PREVENT INJURIES. DON’T DRIVE DISTRACTED.
(Richmond, Virginia) – The impact of distracted driving is staggering. In the last five years, there were over 140,000 motor vehicle crashes in Virginia that involved driver distraction, which equates to three crashes every hour. more>>
April 1, 2011
BEDFORD COUNTYWIDE RABIES CLINICS
(BEDFORD, Va.) – The Central Virginia Health District announces countywide rabies clinics on Saturday, April 9, 2011 in Bedford County. The rabies clinics are supported by the Bedford Humane Society, Bedford County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control, and local Bedford County veterinarians. The cost for vaccination is $5.00 per animal, cash only. more>>
April 1, 2011
RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC AT SALEM CIVIC CENTER APRIL 16
(SALEM, Va.) – A community-wide rabies vaccination clinic will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the Salem Civic Center from 9 a.m. until noon. All area residents are invited to bring their pet dogs and cats to be vaccinated for only five dollars ($5.00) each. Dogs and cats must be three months old or older. Dogs must be on leashes or in carriers; cats must be in carriers. Please bring correct change, cash only. Checks or credit cards cannot be accepted. more>>
March 27, 2011
HEALTH OFFICIALS DISCUSS RADIATION MONITORING IN VIRGINIA
Multiple monitoring systems across the Commonwealth continue to show no levels of public health concern.
(Richmond, Va.)— “As a result of the incident with the nuclear power plant in Japan, several EPA air monitors have detected very low levels of radioactive material in the U.S.,” says State Health Commissioner Karen Remley, MD, MBA, FAAP. “To date, none of Virginia’s multiple monitoring systems has detected a level of radioactive material that would pose a public-health concern.” more>>
March 24, 2011
TUBERCULOSIS: FACT VS. FICTION
Get the Facts on World TB Day March 24
(Richmond, Va.) Tuberculosis (TB) was the first program established within the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) over a century ago. In spite of the misconception that it is no longer a health threat, TB continues to infect Virginians of all races, ages and walks of life. Do you know fact from fiction when it comes to TB? more>>
March 17, 2011
RABID RACCOON IN GRATTON AREA OF TAZEWELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA
(TAZEWELL, Va.) – The Tazewell County Health Department has received confirmation that a raccoon collected March 15, 2011 from the Elizabeth Road area of the Gratton community tested positive for rabies infection. This is the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Tazewell County this year. Eight animals were confirmed with rabies in Tazewell County in 2010. more>>
February 26, 2011
Loudoun County Health Department Informing Travelers of Possible Measles Exposure at Dulles International Airport on February 20, 2011
(Leesburg, Va.) Out of an abundance of caution, Loudoun County Health Department is informing people who were at Dulles International Airport on Sunday, February 20, 2011, from 3:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the International Arrivals and Baggage Claim level of the Main Terminal that they may have been exposed to a person with measles. People at risk for exposure on the plane have been identified and are being contacted by their state and/or local health officials. more>>
February 22, 2011
CITIZENS INVITED TO HEALTH ADVISORY MEETING MAR. 10 AT MOUNTAIN EMPIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, BIG STONE GAP
(BIG STONE GAP, Virginia) – The LENOWISCO Health District and your local health departments in Lee, Scott and Wise Counties and the City of Norton are pleased to invite interested individuals to join us in a discussion of health issues, challenges and opportunities in our communities. more>>
February 22, 2011
FEBRUARY IS CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
(WISE, Virginia) – The LENOWISCO Health District is pleased to remind parents and children’s caregivers throughout our area about National Children’s Dental Health Month. Sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA) each February, the purpose of this recognition month is to better educate ourselves about the importance of good oral health for children. more>>
February 22, 2011
FREE SEASONAL FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE NOW AT SPECIAL CLINICS AND LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
(MARTINSVILLE, Virginia) – It is not too late to get a flu shot! The West Piedmont Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a series of special public clinics in February and March, and during regular clinic hours at local health departments. Vaccine is available to everyone over the age of six months, and will be available in injectable form. more>>
February 17, 2011
FREE FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE AT FERRUM COLLEGE, FEB. 19
(MARTINSVILLE, Virginia) – The West Piedmont Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a public clinic on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Ferrum College, in the Trophy Room of the Swartz Gym. The clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vaccine is available to everyone over the age of six months, and will be available in injectable form. more>>
February 9, 2011
Influenza Intensity Is High – If you Missed Your Flu Shot, Get it Now!
(Richmond, Va.) Cases of influenza have significantly increased in Virginia. In the past few weeks the intensity of influenza activity has risen from low to high. This means that more people are seeing their doctors for symptoms of influenza now than at any other time during this flu season, and people are at greater risk for catching the flu right now. more>>
February 3, 2011
NEW RIVER HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS FREE SEASONAL FLU VACCINE
(Christiansburg, VA) – It is not too late to get a flu shot! The New River Health District offers seasonal flu vaccine to everyone ages six months and older daily, Monday thru Friday, at no cost to you. For your convenience, you have the choice of an appointment or you can simply walk-in your local health department. more>>
February 3, 2011
LENOWISCO HEALTH DISTRICT EXPANDS WIC PROGRAM
(Wise, VA) – The LENOWISCO Health District is pleased to announce the re-opening of satellite clinic locations to offer WIC (Women, Infants and Children) assistance to families.
WIC, a food and nutrition program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers free, nutritious food and nutritional information to eligible pregnant and postpartum women and to children from birth to five years of age. This initiative is an effort to reach out to families to bring a very valuable, free service closer to home in order to make it more accessible and convenient for families to participate. more>>
February 3, 2011
MEDIA ADVISORY – PRESS CONFERENCE
Local Health Organizations Collaborate for Optimal Breast Health Services for Women in Lee, Wise and Scott Counties and Norton City more>>
February 2, 2011
FREE SEASONAL FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE AT FEBRUARY CLINICS
(Wise, VA) – It is not too late to get a flu shot! The Lenowisco Health District will offer seasonal flu vaccine to everyone ages six months and up at a series of vaccine clinics in February. All of the following clinics are walk-in, no appointment required, and are at no cost to the patient. The clinics will begin February 2, 2011, run from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and will continue until the limited vaccine supply is gone. more>>
January 27, 2011
PITTSYLVANIA/DANVILLE AND SOUTHSIDE HEALTH DISTRICTS EARN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RECOGNITION
Health Districts honored as “Public Health Ready”
(DANVILLE, Va.) – As local health departments nationwide strive to protect the public from new and infectious diseases, bioterrorism, natural disasters, and other public health threats, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has recognized the Pittsylvania/Danville and Southside Health Districts for their planning and proven ability to respond to public health emergencies. more>>
January 25, 2011
ROANOKE CITY AND ALLEGHANY HEALTH DISTRICTS EARN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RECOGNITION
Health Districts honored as “Public Health Ready”
(ROANOKE, Va.) – As local health departments nationwide strive to protect the public from new and infectious diseases, bioterrorism, natural disasters, and other public health threats, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has recognized the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts for their planning and proven ability to respond to public health emergencies. more>>
January 24, 2011
CUMBERLAND PLATEAU HEALTH DISTRICT EARNS PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RECOGNITION
Cumberland Plateau Health District is honored as “Public Health Ready”
(LEBANON, Va.) – As local health departments nationwide strive to protect the public from new and infectious diseases, bioterrorism, natural disasters, and other public health threats, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has recognized Cumberland Plateau Health District for its planning and proven ability to respond to public health emergencies. more>>
