2016 Statewide News Releases


December 8, 2016

Virginia Department of Health 2015 HAI Report is Online

New annual report offers information on healthcare-associated infections in Virginia hospitals

(Richmond, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) today encouraged the public to review the 2015 Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Annual Report. The HAI Annual Report summarizes the performance of Virginia’s acute care and critical access hospitals on HAIs and healthcare worker influenza (flu) vaccination. The report features hospital-specific HAI performance, and allows readers to compare the HAI performance of each Virginia hospital to that of the rest of the state and nation.  There are two versions of the HAI Annual Report: one for healthcare providers and one for consumers. In addition to hospital-specific data, both versions of the report also include fact sheets and educational materials. more>>


November 22, 2016

Governor’s EMS Award Winners Announced at Annual Virginia Ems Symposium

(RICHMOND, Va.) – The 2016 Governor’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Award winners were recently announced at the 37th Annual Governor’s EMS Awards Ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia. Governor Terry McAuliffe recognized 11 outstanding EMS providers and organizations from across the Commonwealth for their hard work and dedication to the EMS system. more>>


October 24, 2016

Virginia Department of Health Highlights Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Annual awareness week focuses on reducing children’s exposure to lead

(Richmond, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages everyone to learn about lead poisoning and how to prevent it throughout the year, and highlights the importance of awareness during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.  Running October 23-29, the week’s theme is Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future and focuses on the many ways parents can reduce their child’s exposure to lead and prevent its harmful effects, with an added focus this year on lead in drinking water. more>>


October 20, 2016

Virginia Department Of Health Reopens James, Back And Nansemond Rivers To Shellfishing

(Richmond, Va.)— State Health Commissioner Marissa J. Levine, MD, MPH, FAAFP, today announced the reopening of the James, Nansemond and Back Rivers to shellfish harvesting.  Portions of the Lynnhaven River and Linkhorn Bay remain closed. more>>


October 17, 2016

Virginia Department of Health Launches Monthlong Countdown to Help Tobacco Users Quit

Daily posts on Facebook and Twitter Lay Groundwork for Success

(Richmond, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is helping tobacco users get ready to quit by sharing tips and resources during “Countdown to Quit Day.” The countdown kicks off October 18 and offers a different tip on VDH’s Facebook and Twitter platforms each day through November 17. Virginia Quit Day coincides with “The Great American Smoke Out” and celebrates the benefits of living tobacco free. more>>


October 11, 2016

Virginia Department Of Health Closes A Portion Of The Back River To Shellfish Harvesting

 (RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that an additional portion of the Back River will be closed to shellfish harvesting due to the recent flooding and contamination from sewage spills. The emergency closure is effective October 11, 2016. more>>


October 10, 2016

Virginia Department Of Health Closes A Portion Of The James River To Shellfish Harvesting

(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that an additional portion of the James River will be closed to shellfish harvesting due to the recent flooding and contamination from sewage spills. The emergency closure is effective October 10, 2016. more>>


October 9, 2016

Virginia Department Of Health Closes Portions Of Lynnhaven, Broad And Linkhorn Bays To Shellfish Harvesting

(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that portions of Lynnhaven, Broad and Linkhorn Bays will be closed to shellfish harvesting due to potential contamination from floodwaters and sewage overflows. more>> 


September 22, 2016

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLOSES A PORTION OF THE NANSEMOND RIVER TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING

(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that a portion of the Nansemond River will be closed to shellfish harvesting due to potential contamination from floodwaters and sewage overflows. more>>


August 26, 2016

INSECT REPELLENT NOW AVAILABLE FOR MEDICAID MEMBERS IN ZIKA PREVENTION EFFORT

(Richmond, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), today announced that as of August 22, 2016, DMAS will cover insect repellent for Medicaid members under the pharmacy benefit with a prescription. This decision, which required approval from Governor Terry McAuliffe, is in preparation for the possibility of local transmission of the Zika virus, which can be spread through mosquito bites. Virginia becomes one of seven states in the nation that currently offer this benefit. more>>


August 19, 2016

Health Officials Warn of Increased Hepatitis A Risk

(RICHMOND, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is investigating a cluster of hepatitis A cases and has identified a potential association with smoothies from Tropical Smoothie Cafe restaurants in Virginia. Genetic testing shows the illnesses were caused by a strain of hepatitis A that has been associated with past outbreaks due to frozen strawberries from Egypt. Upon learning of the potential link to strawberries, Tropical Smoothie Cafe immediately conducted a voluntary product withdrawal of all strawberries sourced from Egypt and found an alternate supply. more>>


May 20, 2016

Prevent Illness and Injury while Enjoying the Water
Virginia Department of Health Encourages Safe and Healthy Swimming Practices

(Richmond, Va.)  The weekend before Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and signals the opening of many pools and water parks across the Commonwealth, as well as an increase in visits to Virginia’s beaches, lakes and rivers.  The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges everyone to take precautions to keep you and your family healthy and safe while enjoying the water. more>>


May 19, 2016

VDH AWARDS HOSPITALS WITH BREASTFEEDING-FRIENDLY DESIGNATION

(Richmond, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health is recognizing 13 hospitals from across the state with a Virginia Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation for their efforts in implementing policies and practices that support a breastfeeding-friendly environment for patients. The designation is based on the World Health Organization’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. more>>


May 16, 2016

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK RECOGNIZES FIRST RESPONDERS’ COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING QUALITY PREHOSPITAL CARE
May 15 – 21 is National EMS Week

(RICHMOND, Va.) – When you or your loved one suffers from a medical emergency, it is Virginia’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel who are relied upon to respond quickly to the call for help and provide quality prehospital care. Last year, EMS providers responded to just over 1.4 million calls for help in Virginia, approximately 3,879 incidents per day. more>>


May 5, 2016

Health Commissioner Announces State and Regional Public Health Nurses of the Year
Arlington, Portsmouth and Richmond City Nurses Recognized for Outstanding Service

(RICHMOND, Va.)— Melinda O’Brien, vulnerable populations senior public health nurse in the Community Health Protection Bureau of the Arlington County Public Health Division, received this year’s Virginia Department of Health Public Health Nurse of the Year award. State Health Commissioner Marissa J. Levine, MD, MPH, FAAFP, presented O’Brien with the honor today during National Nurses Week, which recognizes the important role nurses play in health care. more>>


April 26, 2016

2015 Virginia Youth Survey Shows Improved Health Behaviors in Virginia High School Students

State Health Commissioner emphasizes continued efforts to sustain the improvements

(Richmond, Va.) According to the results of the latest Virginia Youth Survey – which is jointly conducted by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) – overall, among the over 350,000 high school students in Virginia, there are significant increases in those who practice healthy behavior over a four-year period (2011-2015). more>>


April 15, 2016

VDH HOSTS MINORITY HEALTH MONTH EVENT WITH VIRGINIA TRIBES

(CHARLES CITY, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (VDH-OMHHE) today hosted an event celebrating April as Minority Health Month in Virginia. more>>


April 5, 2016

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLOSES THE BACK RIVER TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING

(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that the Back River will be closed to shellfish harvesting due to potential contamination from a sewage spill. more>>


February 26, 2016

Governor McAuliffe Creates Task Force to Address Zika Virus
~State and local officials will coordinate on mosquito surveillance and control programs~

Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the creation of a statewide task force to guide preparedness initiatives related to Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness. Led by the Virginia Department of Health, the group will be responsible for coordinating with Virginia localities on mosquito surveillance and control programs prior to the start of mosquito season on May 1. more>>


February 25, 2016

Health Officials Stress Post-Storm Illness and Injury Prevention

(RICHMOND, Va.) As cleanup efforts get underway following the February 24th damaging storms and tornadoes in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health reminds everyone to take special precautions to prevent injuries and illness. more>>


January 28, 2016

Funding Available for Organizations Serving Summer Meals to Virginia Children

(Richmond, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is requesting assistance from financially viable organizations that can serve meals to children during the summer months. Organizations that participate in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) will be reimbursed by VDH for the meals that are served. Participating sponsors will also be reimbursed for certain allowable administrative costs associated with serving the meals. more>>


January 26, 2016

Virginia Resident Tests Positive for Zika Virus after Travel in Zika-Affected Country

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is alerting the public of the potential for contracting Zika virus while traveling abroad. Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. Although Zika virus illness is usually mild, and severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises there is a possible association between Zika virus infection in pregnant women and subsequent birth defects. more>>


January 23, 2016

Virginia Department of Health Provides Guidance on Preventing Snow-related Injury and Illness

(RICHMOND, Va.)— Now that Winter Storm Jonas has arrived, the Virginia Department of Health offers these tips for staying safe whether enjoying the snow or doing cleanup activities: 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>>


January 11, 2016

VDH CONCLUDES POST-ARRIVAL, ACTIVE MONITORING PROGRAM FOR EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE
Total of 2,239 Travelers Screened

(Richmond, Va.)—Following the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) announcing that on December 28, 2015 that Guinea is designated free of Ebola virus disease (EVD), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) discontinued its post-arrival, active monitoring program. Guinea’s designation follows the same designation for Sierra Leone (November 9, 2015) and Liberia (June 17, 2015). This active monitoring occurred seven days a week and included, at a minimum, education, having the individual sign a voluntary agreement for monitoring, and daily symptom checks. more>>


January 4, 2016

VDH LAUNCHES UPDATED HEALTH MAPPING TOOL

(Richmond, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (VDH-OMHHE) today announced the launch of an updated version of the Virginia Health Opportunity Index (HOI). The HOI is an online mapping tool of community health influences that allows advocates, citizens and providers to view the many factors that affect health across the Commonwealth. more>>


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