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National Minority Health Month is a time to raise awareness about health disparities and about how we promote health equity at VDH. Minority health refers to populations that have been historically underserved, underrepresented or face barriers to achieving optimal health due to social and economic drivers of health, or environmental factors including lack of access to safe environments. This includes racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as communities defined by culture, language, disability, geography, income, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, and other lived experiences. 

These communities often experience: 

• Higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease  

• Increased maternal and infant mortality rates  

• Reduced access to quality healthcare  

  Minority Health Month is an opportunity to:  

• Raise awareness of persistent health inequities  

• Highlight community strengths and resilience  

• Promote culturally responsive care and services  

• Encourage partnerships across sectors to improve health outcomes  

Improving minority health requires a multi-pronged public health approach that focuses on systems, policies, and environments. 

This includes: 

• Using data to identify disparities and target interventions  

• Engaging communities as leaders and partners when designing programs and services   

• Investing in prevention and upstream strategies  

• Building a diverse and culturally competent workforce  

 In Virginia, efforts to improve minority health are part of Virginia’s Plan for Well-Being, which prioritizes equity across the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) areas of focus. The plan recognizes that achieving better health outcomes requires addressing the root causes of disparities and ensuring that every community can thrive and achieve optimal health outcomes.  This month is a time for everyone to act. and you can get involved by:

• Supporting community-based organizations  

• Sharing trusted health information  

• Advocating for policies that promote equity  

For more information on Virginia’s Plan for Wellbeing visit virginiawellbeing.com. Stay tuned for more information about Virginia’s Plan for Wellbeing and how VDH supports minority health initiatives throughout the month of April.  

The 23rd Annual Emergency Preparedness Summit kicked off its second day on Wednesday morning, March 25.  

The day began with a keynote address from the Chief Information Officer Arman Latif focused on the key principles of artificial intelligence (AI) in public health. He shared the dynamics involved in agentic AI. It describes advanced artificial intelligence systems that exhibit autonomy, goal-driven behavior, and adaptability, allowing them to make decisions and take actions without human intervention. Latif talked about the importance of AI innovation balancing experimentation with responsible governance. The AI innovations shaping public health include social determinants, genomic analysis, health monitoring, healthcare ops optimization, and telehealth and monitoring.  

The day’s program included opportunities for multiple breakout session, including: 

• Timely Measles Information 

• Logistics, Developments, and Trends of Shelter Planning 

• Change Management 

• Best Practices for Workplace Safety 

• Updates from the Office of Emergency Medical Services 

• Communications: Navigating Misinformation in an Age of Rapid Change 

• Health Equity with Special Populations in Emergencies 

Highlights of some sessions included: 

A communication session focused on “Navigating Misinformation in an Age of Rapid Change.” During the hour-long presentation, Brookie Crawford, risk communications manager and Northern Region public information officer, shared the importance of establishing the agency as a trusted resource, amplifying messages and preventing information voids. Crawford also explained the differences between misinformation, malinformation and disinformation.   

With various drinking water issues being experienced across the state, staff from the Office of Drinking Water and the Central Shenandoah Health District shared best practices for handling a water-related community issue. Jordan Good, local health emergency coordinator for the Central Shenandoah Health District talked about the various roles of local government agencies and departments during a crisis. He also mentioned the importance of demonstrating value when partnering and collaborating with those agencies.  

The newest health director within VDH, Xavier Crockett, with the Central Shenandoah Health District focused on leading through uncertainty in public health. His presentation focused on four specific traits: resilience, integration, strategy and sustainability to build the leadership framework. As he referenced his favorite sport, boxing, Crockett said you can jump into the ring and hit hard and quick, but “surviving the fight does not mean you are ready for what is to come.” Crockett stated preparedness is not tested when systems are working, but preparedness is tested when systems are failing. 

The afternoon agenda included discipline-specific breakout sessions for health directors, nurse managers, emergency coordinators, business managers, medical reserve corps, and epidemiologists. 

The Virginia Epidemiology Seminar will wrap up the third day of the conference on March 26. 

The 23rd Annual Emergency Preparedness Summit kicked off on Tuesday afternoon, March 24. Several hundred Virginia Department of Health (VDH) staff members participated in these educational sessions, including health directors, emergency preparedness coordinators, business managers, epidemiologists, nurse managers and Medical Reserve Corp leaders.  

The event began with opening remarks from Robert Mauskapf, MPA, Colonel, USMC (ret.), director of emergency preparedness with VDH, followed by the Presentation of Colours by the Henrico Police Honor Guard. 

VDH’s State Health Commissioner, B. Cameron Webb, MD, JD, welcomed the group with an impactful motto that he learned during his childhood. “Stay ready, and you don’t have to get ready.”  

He reflected on his fifth day on the job as health commissioner when emergency preparedness was center stage as severe winter weather blanketed the state. Other key messages he highlighted included strengthening fiscal, administrative and operational readiness through requesting, receiving and distributing resources. Dr. Webb stressed the importance of regional partnerships and said, “Collaboration is the heart of public health.” He also reminded the audience that “equity is at the core of our work,” and it is vital to sustain the public health workforce. He continued, “Investing in people is preparedness,” and “people are the power of our response.” 

The session continued with the Medical Reserve Corps presenting their Engage, Partner, Innovated and Champion (E.P.I.C.) awards.  

The keynote address was presented by senior staff members with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). Lisa Peterson, MPH, senior director of preparedness and Jeff Ekoma, senior director for government affairs, shared their insights on advocacy taking place at the federal level.  

One highlight of the Emergency Preparedness Summit is to present those in attendance with a crisis scenario. Participants divide into groups based on their individual regions and discuss the processes and challenges that would occur related to distribution of resources and communication.  

Following the two-hour interactive discussion among the groups, the final 30 minutes of the day was dedicated to recapping the highlights and potential roadblocks that would need to be addressed during an actual crisis. 

Day 2 will include a keynote address on artificial intelligence (AI) and public health and breakout sessions of different topics for the afternoon session. 

Every year on March 24, World TB Day is observed around the world. World TB Day raises awareness about the significant health and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and is a time to advocate for TB prevention and elimination activities. Elimination of TB in the United States depends on the success of global TB programs. 

About TB 

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). It is an illness that mainly affects the lungs, although it can attack any part of the body. TB is the leading cause of death worldwide from an infectious disease.  

The good news is that TB is both preventable and curable. Appropriate screening, testing and proper medical treatment can save lives. Treatment usually involves taking antibiotics for six to nine months for active disease and for as little as three months for latent TB infection (LTBI).  

How TB Spreads 

Tuberculosis spreads through the air when someone with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, laughs, sings, or even talks. Someone with active TB disease may spread it to people nearby, such as friends, family, coworkers, and schoolmates. 

You cannot get TB by sharing food or shaking hands, but spending a lot of time close to someone who is sick can increase the risk.  

Symptoms of TB 

Common symptoms include: 

• Cough that lasts more than 3 weeks 

•  Fever 

• Weight loss 

• Night sweats 

• Fatigue 

• Decreased appetite 

• Chest pain 

Latent TB Infection 

People who have Latent TB Infection (LTBI) are infected with the M. tuberculosis bacteria but have not developed active TB disease.  

People with LTBI do not feel sick, so they often do not know they carry the bacteria. They do not have any symptoms and are not contagious. 

However, about 10 percent of people with LTBI will develop active TB over their lifetime. Treatment for LTBI can prevent progression to active TB disease.  

People with certain health conditions that weaken the immune system such as diabetes or HIV, have a higher risk of developing active TB if they have LTBI.  

TB in Virginia 

TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.  

In 2025, Virginia had 194 cases of TB. This was a 14% decrease from the 225 cases reported in 2024. There was a decrease from 2025 in the number of children under the age of five diagnosed with active TB, but an increase in people with TB who were resistant to two of the primary drugs used to treat TB. Diabetes continues to be a primary comorbidity for people with TB. In 2025, 27% of people with TB disease also had diabetes. In 2025, 27 health districts provided care for someone with active TB disease.  

You can learn about additional Virginia data, including: 

• Local counts and rates for TB for 2025. 

• The 2025 fact sheet about TB in Virginia.  

• Annual reports, fact sheets, and local data prior to 2025. 

World TB Day reminds us that ending TB is achievable and that we all have a role to play.  We can learn the symptoms, encourage others to seek medical care, help reduce the stigma around the disease, and advocate for awareness and resources. By increasing awareness, we can move closer to ending TB and building healthier communities for all. 

Learn More  

• VDH Tuberculosis 

 

World Doula Day is celebrated annually on March 22 to kick off World Doula Week.  VDH is using this opportunity to recognize the professionals who assist women during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, and to highlight our program to certify Doulas in Virginia. 

What is a Doula? 

Doulas are trained professionals who provide guidance through childbirth or other reproductive health experiences, including miscarriage, abortion, or stillbirth. In recent years, the term “doula” has also been applied to professionals who support people through non-pregnancy related health experiences such as death (end-of-life doulas). 

Doulas are birth companions who provide emotional, physical, and informational support during childbirth and in the postpartum period. They may also act as an advocate, supporting the woman’s right to make health decisions regarding her own body and the baby. Unlike partners, family members, or friends who may be present during birth, doulas have a formal training in birth support. Doulas are not medical professionals because they are not trained to provide medical treatment, but they are a critical part of the patient’s care team.  

What are the benefits of having a doula present during childbirth? According to statistics, doula support is associated with: 

• shorter delivery times 

• fewer C-sections and birth complications 

• fewer analgesic and epidural requests 

• less time in the NICU  

• more satisfying birth experiences, and 

• increased breastfeeding.  

The support of a doula also increases new parents’ confidence in taking care of the newborn. 

What is VDH’s Doula Program? 

VDH manages Virginia’s State-Doula Certification Program.   A State-Certified Doula is a trained, community-based nonmedical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant woman. They will provide support throughout pregnancy, at labor and delivery, and after the pregnancy.  A Virginia State-Certified Doula must be approved by the Virginia Certification Board (VCB). 

 

Learn more about Virginia’s State-Doula Certification Program. 

On World Oral Health Day, VDH wants to remind everyone that good oral health is more than having a bright smile. 

About Oral Health 

Oral health refers to health of the teeth, gums, and related structures. Having good oral health can affect our ability to eat, speak, smile, and connect with others. 

Oral health is vital to the management and prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory illness as well as overall wellness. 

You aren’t really healthy without good oral health! 

 Some of the most common diseases and conditions that impact our oral health include: 

• Cavities (tooth decay) 

• Periodontal (gum) diseases 

• Oral cancers 

• Tooth loss 

Steps for Good Oral Health 

The good news is that most oral diseases and conditions are preventable.  

Simple daily habits can make a big difference:  

• Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.  

• Floss daily.  

• Get a dental check-up and professional cleanings at least once a year.   

• Eat a healthy diet, limiting sugary drinks and foods. 

• Avoid tobacco products. 

Oral Health and Chronic Conditions 

Oral health is a key part of our overall health and well-being as it’s linked to a variety of chronic conditions: 

• Diabetes: Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugars. Diabetics are three times more likely to have gum disease than non-diabetics.  

• Heart Disease: Periodontal patients are 1-2 times more likely to have a heart attack. Bleeding with brushing is not normal and is often the first warning sign of a serious problem.  

• Lung Disease/Breathing Problems: Bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, making lung disease worse and increasing the risk of pneumonia.  

• Stroke: The fatty blockages in the arteries of stroke victims contain the same bacteria that is found in the mouth.  

• Pregnancy: Pregnant people who have gum disease are seven times more likely to have premature or low birthweight babies.  

• Oral Cancer: Many cancers and viruses can be detected early by signs and symptoms in the mouth. 

Oral Health for Everyone 

Unfortunately, many Virginians face barriers accessing oral health care. Some people face barriers like high costs, lack of insurance, transportation, or too few providers in their community.   

In Virginia: 

• 31% of adults do not have dental coverage. 

• Only 27% of practicing dentists treat Virginians enrolled in Medicaid or Family Access to Medical Insurance Security, and public insurance programs for people who have low incomes or disabilities.  

• 13 Virginia localities have fewer than one full-time dentist 

• This includes eight localities with no full-time dentist 

Programs like VDH’s Dental Health Program can help by providing dental screenings, treatments, and education to those facing barriers to care.  

When everyone has access to quality oral healthcare, we can all smile bigger.  

Learn More 

Learn more about oral health at www.vdh.virginia.gov/oral-health/.