2016 Regional News Releases


December 9, 2016

Thomas Jefferson Health District to Offer Free Drug Disposal Kits

(Charlottesville, Va.) — On November 21, 2016, State Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa J. Levine declared the Virginia opioid addiction crisis a Public Health Emergency. This action came in response to the growing number of overdoses attributed to opioid use and evidence that Carfentanil – a highly dangerous synthetic opioid used to sedate large animals like elephants – has made its way to Virginia. On average, three Virginians die of a drug overdose every day. more>>


November 29, 2016

Thomas Jefferson Health District Celebrates World Aids Day 2016

(Charlottesville, Va.)  — In recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1, the Thomas Jefferson Health District’s (TJHD) #TJstatus Testing Program will host free events all week for people to get tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In the United States, about 1 in 8 people who has HIV does not know it. more>>


November 15, 2016

Great American Smokeout Events To Help Smokers Quit On November 17

(Charlottesville, Va.) — On Thursday, November 17, the Tobacco Free Community Coalition (TFCC) is celebrating the Great American Smokeout (GASO) by hosting free events from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Carver Recreation Center to help smokers quit and save money. At each of the events, attendees will experience and learn about different strategies for quitting smoking, receive a “Survival Toolkit,” and get personalized help with creating a quit plan. Food, door prizes and giveaways will also be available. No registration is needed and people can drop in during any time of the events. more>>


October 25, 2016

Richmond City Health District offering FREE FLU SHOTS at Wal-Mart and Big Apple Supermarket on Friday, November 4th

(Richmond, VA) – The Richmond City Health District wants you to get your flu shot early, and they’re coming to you.  Free flu vaccination will be offered to the public, Friday, November 4th, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Wal-Mart, 2210 Sheila Lane (off Forest Hill Avenue), and also at the Big Apple Supermarket, 2916 Jefferson Davis Highway. more>>


October 24, 2016

Prince William Health District Earns National Accreditation Through the
Public Health Accreditation Board

PHAB-Accredited Health Districts Demonstrate the Capacity to Serve their Communities Well

(MANASSAS, Va.) — Prince William Health District (PWHD) recently achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The program works to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing and ultimately transforming the quality and performance of the nation’s state, local, Tribal, and territorial public health departments. PWHD is one of fewer than 200 health departments that have thus far achieved accreditation through PHAB since the organization launched in 2011. In Virginia, PWHD is one of only four health districts that have earned this certification. more>>


October 20, 2016

Page County Health Department Offers Free Flu Shots During Emergency Preparedness Exercise
Tuesday, Nov. 8 – Flu Shots begin at 10 a.m.
(Shenandoah, Va.)— Free flu shots will be offered to the general public by the Page County Health Department on Tuesday, November 8 as part of a Page County emergency preparedness exercise. The exercise will begin at 10 a.m. and will take place at Page County High School, 184 Panther Drive, Shenandoah, VA. Only 250 doses of vaccine will be available for anyone age 36 months (3 years) and older on a first-come, first-served basis, until 2 p.m. or until the supply of flu vaccine runs out. By receiving your flu shot at this exercise you will not only be taking measures to protect yourself against the flu but also helping Page County better prepare for emergency events requiring mass medication/vaccination distribution to the general public. more>>


October 20, 2016

Page County Health Department Offers Free Flu Shots During Emergency Preparedness Exercise
Tuesday, Nov. 8 – Flu Shots begin at 10 a.m.

(Shenandoah, Va.)— Free flu shots will be offered to the general public by the Page County Health Department on Tuesday, November 8 as part of a Page County emergency preparedness exercise. The exercise will begin at 10 a.m. and will take place at Page County High School, 184 Panther Drive, Shenandoah, VA. Only 250 doses of vaccine will be available for anyone age 36 months (3 years) and older on a first-come, first-served basis, until 2 p.m. or until the supply of flu vaccine runs out. By receiving your flu shot at this exercise you will not only be taking measures to protect yourself against the flu but also helping Page County better prepare for emergency events requiring mass medication/vaccination distribution to the general public. more>>


September 27, 2016

Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department Launches New Morning Clinic

(Charlottesville, Va.) – In an effort to increase access to free testing for common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the Thomas Jefferson Health District’s (TJHD) Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department is changing Sexual Health Clinic hours to offer morning options. Beginning October 4, 2016, the new hours will include walk-in clinics every Tuesday from 8:15 to 11:15 a.m.  The weekly morning clinic will be offered in addition to the walk-in Sexual Health Clinics, which are held every Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and the first Wednesday of every month from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. more>>


September 22, 2016 

Thomas Jefferson Health District Offers Free Flu Shots at Nelson Point-of-Dispensing Exercise

(Arrington, Va.)  — Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) staff will once again test their capacity to respond to a major public health event by providing free flu shots in Nelson on Tuesday, September 27. The exercise will be held at Nelson County Middle School at 6925 Thomas Nelson Highway, Arrington, VA 22949 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The vaccine is available to anyone who is at least three years of age at no charge. Shots will be administered on a first come first served basis. more>>


September 15, 2016

Rappahannock Area Health District Offers Free Flu Shots at State Fair
Saturday, Oct. 1 – Flu Shot Clinic Starts at 10 a.m.

(Fredericksburg, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health’s Rappahannock Area Health District will offer free flu shots on Saturday, Oct. 1, beginning at 10 a.m. during the State Fair of Virginia at the Meadow Event Park. The Flu Clinic will take place in the Farm Bureau Center Exhibition Hall on Festival Loop. Only 400 doses of vaccine will be available, and will be offered to anyone 18 years and older on a first-come, first-served basis, until 7 p.m. or until the supply of flu shots runs out. more>>


September 15, 2016

HENRICO HEALTH DISTRICT TO OFFER FREE HIV AND STI CLINIC

(Henrico, Va.) – The Henrico Health District, in partnership with the Nationz Foundation, is holding a free rapid screening clinic for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea tomorrow, September 16. Testing will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis (no appointment necessary), and anyone tested will receive a health package consisting of literature and barrier contraceptives. Participants must be at least 18 years of age to be tested. more>>


August 26, 2016

Health Alert: Potential Hepatitis A Exposure at Local Restaurant

(Manassas) –An employee at the Tropical Smoothie Café Restaurant at 8069 Stonewall Shops Square in Gainesville, Virginia, has been diagnosed with hepatitis A. As a result, persons eating at this restaurant from July 28, 2016 through August 18, 2016 may have been exposed to hepatitis A.  Tropical Smoothie Café  notified the Virginia Department of Health about the case and has been complying fully with all requests.  more>>


August 18, 2016

CHARLOTTESVILLE/ALBEMARLE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO OFFER BACK-TO-SCHOOL VACCINE CLINICS

(Charlottesville, Va.) — To help families prepare for the new school year, the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department is offering three walk-in (no appointments necessary) back-to-school vaccine clinics this month. more>>


August 16, 2016

OLD DOMINION EMS ALLIANCE RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(RICHMOND, Va.) –  The Old Dominion Emergency Medical Services Alliance (ODEMSA) recognized its regional EMS personnel for their superior level of service provided to the community, Aug. 6, at the Metro Richmond Zoo in Richmond. The council presented awards to winners nominated for their high achievements in the field. more>>


July 22, 2016

Youth Complete Summer Leadership Institute; Free Fall Registration Available Now

(DANVILLE, Va.) – More than a dozen rising ninth graders have completed their first summer at the Danville Youth Health Equity Leadership Institute (Danville YHELI). This is a brand new four-year, free program of resources and mentors to help youth succeed in high school and beyond, to graduate on time and enjoy a fulfilling future, while making new friends. Danville YHELI’s weekly meetings will continue when schools start again next month, and organizers encourage additional youth to join the program now. Eligible participants — rising ninth graders enrolled in George Washington and Langston Focus High schools — may apply to participate in YHELI.  Participants in Danville YHELI will learn new skills and have opportunities to attend field trips to colleges, workplaces, museums, community events and more. more>>


July 20, 2016

FAIR CELEBRATES THE SUSTAINABILITY OF BREASTFEEDING

Lord Fairfax Health District’s 4th Annual Breastfeeding Fair is Friday Aug. 5

(WINCHESTER, Va.)— The Lord Fairfax Health District (LFHD) invites all new moms, their babies, pregnant women and the community to join in the fun at the 4th annual Breastfeeding Fair on Friday, August 5, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Warren County Health Department at 465 West 15th Street in Front Royal, Va. Activities for everyone will include displays, games, snacks, a photo booth, and tables featuring community organizations with information, giveaways and door prizes. more>>


July 15, 2016

WESTERN VIRGINIA EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(ROANOKE, Va.) – The Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. paid tribute to its regional EMS personnel for their selfless acts of service at the council’s annual awards ceremony, June 23, at the Vinton War Memorial. Regional award winners were nominated by their peers for their high level of achievements in the EMS field. more>>


July 14, 2016

FREE Sports Physicals for Middle School and High School Students offered at Richmond City Health District Neighborhood Resource Centers
(Richmond, VA) – The Richmond City Health District is offering free sports physicals to youth age 13 and older (middle and high school students) on special dates at selected Community Resources Centers in Richmond neighborhoods. more>>


July 12, 2016

Blue Ridge EMS Council Recognizes Excellence In EMS

(LYNCHBURG, Va.) – The Blue Ridge Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. held its regional EMS awards, June 23, at the Peakland United Methodist Church in Lynchburg. The council celebrated its EMS personnel for their devoted service to the regional EMS system and awarded those indivduals, nominated by their peers, for their commendable achievements in the field. more>>


July 12, 2016

Lord Fairfax EMS Council Recognizes Excellence In EMS

(WINCHESTER, Va.) – The Lord Fairfax Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. celebrated and recognized EMS personnel for their perseverance and dedication to the regional EMS system at the annual awards ceremony, June 22, at the Front Royal Fire Department. Awards were presented to individuals, nominated by their peers, for their achievements in the EMS field. more>>


July 12, 2016

Southwest Virginia EMS Council Recognizes Excellence In EMS

(BRISTOL, Va.)  – The Southwest Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc.  paid tribute to its region’s EMS personnel, June 18, at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion. The council presented regional awards to individuals, who were nominated by their peers, for their remarkable accomplishments in the field of EMS. more>>


July 7, 2016

Rappahannock EMS Council Recognizes Excellence In EMS

(FREDERICKSBURG, Va.) – The Rappahannock Emergency Medical Services Council (EMS), Inc. celebrated the outstanding commitment and dedication of its regional EMS personnel at the annual awards ceremony, June 9, at the Culpeper Fire and Rescue Communication Center. The council honored those individuals, nominated by their peers, for their achievements in the EMS field. more>>


June 30, 2016

Health Department Noticing Increase in Bat Exposure Reports 

(Charlottesville, Va.) — Local health department officials are urging residents to take proper precautions if exposed to wild animals, bats in particular.  In 2016 to date, staff at the Thomas Jefferson Health District have provided rabies post-exposure case management to 53 individuals, 30 of which were exposed to bats. more>>


June 20, 2016

Tidewater EMS Council Recognizes Excellence In EMS

(NORFOLK, Va.)  – The Tidewater Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. celebrated regional EMS personnel on June 19, at Harbor Park Stadium in Norfolk. The council presented awards to individuals who were selected for their high achievements and exceptional level of service. more>>


June 17, 2016

Information concerning food safety and precautions to take during electrical power outage

(Richmond, VA) – The Richmond City Health District advises residents to take precautions regarding their refrigerated and frozen foods as well as their medications and medical supplies during a power outage. more>>


June 14, 2016

Peninsulas EMS Council Recognizes Excellence In EMS

(GLOUCESTER, Va.) – The Peninsulas Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. recognized regional EMS personnel for their notable service to the community at the third annual EMS Day celebration, May 28, at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. more>>


June 10, 2016

Central Shenandoah EMS Council Recognizes Excellence In EMS

(STAUNTON, Va.)  – The Central Shenandoah Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. awarded its Regional EMS Awards on June 1, at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton. The council commended all of the region’s EMS personnel for their dedication to the community and recognized those, nominated by their peers, for their remarkable achievements in the field. more>>


June 10, 2016

Thomas Jefferson EMS Council Recognizes Excellence In EMS

(Charlottesville, Va.) – The Thomas Jefferson Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. recognized the superior level of dedication and commitment displayed by members of the regional EMS system at the council’s awards banquet held, May 11, at the Martha Jefferson Outpatient Care Center in Charlottesville. more>>


June 10, 2016

Northern Virginia EMS Council Recognizes Excellence In EMS

(GAINESVILLE, Va.)  – The Northern Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. honored recipients of its Regional EMS Awards on June 9, at the city of Fairfax Fire Department. The council paid tribute to the devoted service of their providers and awarded the top regional honors to those, nominated by their peers, who demonstrated exceptional service. more>>


May 19, 2016

Petersburg Celebrates Lowest Teen Pregnancy In 10 Years

(PETERSBURG, Va.) Petersburg Health Department is celebrating the lowest teen pregnancy rate in 10 years. In 2009, the pregnancy rate was 103.7 per 1,000 female. To date, the preliminary 2014 rates are 49.7 per 1,000 females for the City of Petersburg. This rate represents a 54% decline since establishing Crater Health District’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program. more>>


May 4, 2016

Protect Against Zika Virus During Upcoming Mosquito Season

(Farmville, Va.) – Mosquito season in Virginia starts May 1. So far, there have not been any cases in the U.S. where the Zika virus disease was contracted from local mosquitoes, but there is a risk of Zika being imported into Virginia. When the weather warms, mosquitoes arrive looking for a blood meal and could transmit a mosquito-borne illness such as Zika or West Nile virus. more>>


March 31, 2016

Free Support Group in Louisa to Help Residents Quit Smoking

(Charlottesville, Va.) — A free weekly support group to help people quit smoking will begin on Thursday, April 7, in Louisa County.  Quit Smoking Louisa will help participants learn and experience different quitting strategies, such as nicotine replacement therapy, acupuncture, nutrition, and stress management.  Classes will meet every Thursday, 5 to 6 p.m., from April 7 through May 26, in the Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center located at 522 Industrial Drive, Louisa, VA 23093. The program is free and registration is not required. more>>


March 23, 2016

Residents urged to take precautions to prevent rabies risk after rabid raccoon is picked up from South Richmond neighborhood

The Richmond City Health District is reminding residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of people or pets contracting rabies from domestic or woodland animals.

This advisement comes after a person was recently bitten by a raccoon that has tested positive for rabies.  The raccoon was picked up by Richmond Animal Care and Control on Janaluska Drive in Richmond’s Southside. more>>


February 4, 2016

Prince William Health District Aims to Prevent Cervical and Other HPV-Related Cancers
Efforts Start with Increasing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Rates

Prince William Health District (PWHD) is working to prevent cervical cancer in the community, by collaborating with community stakeholders to increase Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates. A group of dedicated staff and community partners in the Greater Prince William Area have been working to develop and implement an Action Plan that focuses on educating health care providers, gathering data and increasing effective HPV-related cancer prevention messaging to the public. A grant from the National Association of City and County Health Officials is helping fund the effort. more>>


January 12, 2016

Chief Medical Examiner Seeks Public’s Help to Identify Skeletal Remains
Facial Models of Individuals Shown in Hopes of Closing Cold Cases

(Richmond, Va.) —The Chief Medical Examiner today unveiled the facial approximations of eight individuals found dead in the central Virginia area, but who have not yet been identified. The facial models represent the five men and three women whose remains were found in separate locations between 1972 and 2014. There are currently 283 unidentified people statewide, with some remains dating back to the 1960s. more>>