Special thanks to contributing writer, Katelyn Briguglio, Interim Policy Administrator, Office of the Commissioner.
On July 22, Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton presented to the Virginia House of Delegates Committee for Health and Human Services Committee at the 2025 Legislator Boot Camp. The presentation highlighted the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) statewide impact and current focus areas.
Dr. Shelton outlined the structure of VDH, emphasizing its leadership and organizational divisions. Legislators received an overview of the offices within VDH, including Population Health and Preparedness, Governmental and Regulatory Affairs, and Community Health Services. She discussed the agency’s mission to protect the health and promote the well-being of all people in Virginia through its Central Office in Richmond and 35 health districts throughout the Commonwealth.
Dr. Shelton shared VDH’s fiscal footprint and explained the cooperative budget model used to fund local health departments. This included VDH’s extensive collaboration with federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Dr. Shelton also addressed VDH’s oversight responsibilities in areas such as nursing home inspections, water quality, disease surveillance, maternal health and emergency medical services. She spotlighted the Office of Licensure and Certification’s oversight of 289 nursing homes in Virginia. New authority (from House Bill 2253 and Senate Bill 1383 in the 2025 Legislative Session) allows for intermediate penalties to hold facilities accountable. This has prompted the need for aggressive staff recruitment and retention efforts. Reducing staff vacancies will help protect the health and safety of nursing home residents.
Special attention was given to pressing issues like workforce challenges, the expansion of maternal mental health programs and VDH’s response to the increase in syphilis and measles cases.
Dr. Shelton concluded her presentation with a reminder that VDH’s work is rooted in science, collaboration and community engagement. The briefing gave new legislators a comprehensive foundation to better understand the agency’s role and to inform their work in future health-related policymaking.
