Author: marianhunter

Crash Responder Safety Week is November 17-21, 2025

RICHMOND, Va. — As proclaimed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, November 17–21 is Crash Responder Safety Week in Virginia, observed in alignment with the nationwide effort to recognize the critical work of emergency responders and the dangers they face while managing roadway incidents. The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) joins partners across the Commonwealth and the nation in raising awareness and promoting safer conditions for those who protect motorists on our roadways.

Drivers play a critical role in keeping crash responders safe. All motorists are urged to stay alert, slow down, move over into another lane when possible, avoid distractions, and follow instructions from emergency personnel. Virginia’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes or, if unable to do so safely, reduce their speed when approaching vehicles with flashing lights on the roadside.

“Safer roadways are in the hands of every driver on the road,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “This week is a reminder to slow down, move over, pay attention, and follow directions when approaching roadway incidents. All of us want to get to our destinations safely.”

Crash responders include EMS providers, firefighters, law enforcement, tow operators, medical examiners, and transportation personnel who all play pivotal roles in ensuring the safe and efficient clearance of roadway incidents.

According to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, between 40 and 50 crash responders have been tragically killed nationwide while working roadway incidents over the last ten years. Struck-by-vehicle fatalities represent the majority of these deaths, which occur during traffic stops, crash responses, or while providing roadside assistance.

“Through my experience serving as an EMS provider, I understand the serious risks first responders face when working on busy roadways,” said VDH Chief Operating Officer Christopher Lindsay. “During Crash Responder Safety Week, we must remember the importance of roadway safety and give our responders the space they need to do their jobs safely.”

“Behind every flashing light, there is an emergency responder who has someone waiting for their safe return home,” said Office of EMS Director Maria Beermann-Foat, PhD. “Crash Responder Safety Week reminds us that scene safety starts with every driver at every incident — slow down, move over, stay alert, and help us protect those who protect you.”

Roadway incident safety depends on the protective actions taken by responders and the responsible behavior of drivers. Crash responders undergo specialized Traffic Incident Management training to alert the public, guide traffic safely around the scene, and minimize risk to both responders and motorists.

Remember, when you see flashing lights, stay alert, move over, and slow down. Together, we can build a culture of safety on Virginia’s roadways by taking these precautions and increasing awareness.

To learn more about the VDH’s Office of EMS, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/.

Virginia’s “VA Rural Vitality” plan will expand access, strengthen the workforce, and modernize care delivery across rural communities.

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Virginia has submitted its application for $1 billion in federal Rural Health Transformation funding under H.R. 1, which was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The Commonwealth’s proposal — VA Rural Vitality — presents a bold, locally-driven plan to modernize health care delivery, expand the workforce, and improve outcomes across rural Virginia.

Developed under Executive Directive Twelve and led by Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly, VA Rural Vitality reflects extensive input from communities and providers across the Commonwealth, as well as research on national best practices to deliver lasting change in rural health.

“Our VA Rural Vitality plan takes bold action to ensure every Virginian – no matter their zip code – can access high-quality care close to home,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This $1 billion investment will strengthen our workforce, expand innovative care models, and deliver the tools communities need to live healthier, more productive lives. I want to thank President Trump and his administration for their collaboration and commitment to transforming rural health care and building a stronger, healthier Virginia for generations to come.”

Four Initiatives Driving Rural Health Transformation

The plan centers on four initiatives designed to empower healthier lives, strengthen the workforce, reimagine care delivery, and accelerate innovation.

Through VA Rural Vitality, Virginia will:

• Empower healthier lives: Launch incentive-based programs and technology-driven tools that help Virginians prevent and manage chronic conditions.
• Grow our own workforce: Build local health pipelines through high schools, community colleges, and universities to train and retain the next generation of rural health professionals.
• Rewire care delivery: Expand hybrid and mobile care models, connect rural providers to larger health systems, and develop sustainable payment structures.
• Invest in innovation: Deploy advanced technologies, including AI-powered tools, to improve access, coordination, and patient outcomes.

Once funding is awarded, the initiative will be implemented through the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. The Commonwealth will also work alongside hospitals, health systems, federally qualified health centers, food banks, and health technology partners to drive measurable impact statewide.

“This plan reflects the voices of rural Virginians,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “From Chincoteague to the Cumberland Gap, we listened to Virginians who want their health care to improve — and VA Rural Vitality directly responds to their needs with innovative, community-based solutions.”

“We are proud to submit a plan that not only addresses today’s needs but builds a foundation for lasting rural health improvements for generations,” said Cheryl Roberts, DMAS Director. “We look forward to the work ahead with partners across the Commonwealth to deliver this transformational change.”

“Every region of rural Virginia has a role in this work,” added Dr. Karen Shelton, VDH State Health Commissioner. “By connecting care, strengthening the workforce, and supporting healthier lifestyles, we can increase local access to quality care and transform outcomes across the Commonwealth.”

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will make Rural Health Transformation awards by December 31, 2025. More information on Virginia’s application can be found at https://www.hhr.virginia.gov/initiatives/rural-health/.

Background 

Rural communities across Virginia face some of the most significant health disparities in the nation:

• Nearly 55% of rural localities are in Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas.
• 63% of Virginia counties lack an OB-GYN, and 22% of rural residents travel over 40 minutes to reach a labor and delivery unit.

• Chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension all exceed national averages.

• Substance use disorder affects 17% of rural adults and 9% of youth aged 12–17.

Governor Youngkin’s administration has made historic progress improving behavioral health, reducing fentanyl deaths by 59%, and cutting maternal deaths by 49%. VA Rural Vitality builds on that momentum with a comprehensive strategy to make rural Virginia healthy again.

(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is implementing the newest updates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunization schedule. Updates were made to the COVID-19 and the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine recommendations.  

COVID-19 Vaccine: The CDC schedule advises the use of “individual-based decision making” (or shared clinical decision making) when deciding to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals ages 6 months and older. This type of decision-making is informed by a decision process between a patient or parent/guardian and a health care provider, including pharmacists. Now that the CDC has published its immunization schedule and included the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine, people ages 6 months and up may receive a COVID-19 vaccine at their healthcare provider; and people ages 3 years and older may receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy in Virginia without a prescription.  

The COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at many pharmacies throughout the Commonwealth; some physicians’ offices also stock the updated 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine. You may also check with your local health department office; you can find its location by using this locator map. Please call ahead to ask if your selected provider setting meets your needs, as different settings may only serve certain age groups or have certain hours for appointments. 

MMRV Vaccine: CDC no longer recommends the use of the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine (MMRV) for children under the age of 4, regardless of parental preference. This is already consistent with common practice in Virginia. Most MMRV vaccines are administered to children 4 years of age and older. Children under the age of 4 should receive MMR and varicella vaccines separately. The first dose of each of these vaccines is recommended to be given at 12 to 15 months of age.  

The CDC recommendation for the second dose of the MMR and varicella vaccines has not changed. The second dose for each of these vaccines is recommended at 4 to 6 years of age. Children ages 4 years and older can receive either the combined MMRV vaccine or MMR and varicella vaccines separately. 

Standing Order: With the CDC updated schedule now in place, the Virginia State Health Commissioner’s Standing Order issued on September 10, 2025, is no longer necessary and will be revoked, effective October 10, 2025. 

The State Health Commissioner issued the standing order to bridge the gap for COVID-19 vaccine access until the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations were adopted by the CDC on October 7. The standing order ensured that Virginians could access the COVID-19 vaccine uninterrupted, if they so desired. 

Additional Tools: VDH has several online tools to look up complete immunization records, including the new, customer friendly MyIR Portal.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 16, 2025
Media Contact: Cheryle Rodriguez, PIO, Cheryle.rodriguez@vdh.virginia.gov

Meet “Chip”: Virginia’s New Alligator Mascot on a Mission to Tackle Hidden Lead Hazards

The Virginia Department of Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program introduces a friendly reptilian messenger to help families spot and prevent dangerous lead exposure in their homes.

RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has unveiled a creative new public education campaign featuring an unexpected messenger: an alligator mascot named Chip. Aimed at helping families recognize and reduce lead hazards in their homes, Chip brings a friendly, memorable face to an important safety message.

Lead was banned from household paints and water pipes decades ago, but the risk of exposure hasn’t disappeared. Many homes across Virginia still contain lead hazards that can pose serious health risks, especially for young children.

“Lead can have severe and lasting effects on a child’s health and development,” said Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Coordinator Ashley Koski, MPH. “It is often invisible, and symptoms of lead exposure aren’t always obvious. Therefore, many families do not realize they have been exposed until they have been tested.”

Look for Alligator-ing

While lead can be difficult to detect, cracked lead-based paint often has a scaly texture that resembles alligator skin. This is when it becomes hazardous, as chipped, peeling paint can turn into paint chips or dust. It’s commonly found on porches, stair railings, windowsills, and doors, especially in homes built before 1978.

Old paint chips are one of the most common sources of lead exposure because lead can flake into dust, settle on surfaces, and be breathed or swallowed. Other sources include lead-contaminated soil, aging plumbing, and some imported toys or jewelry.

Intact lead-based paint that is in good condition generally does not pose an immediate risk, but it can become dangerous if it deteriorates or is disturbed.

Understanding and Recognizing the Risk

There is no safe level of lead in the blood. Even small amounts can affect a child’s learning, behavior, and physical development. That’s why testing and prevention are so important.

Families with young children, especially ages one and two, are at greater risk for exposure and should ask their health care provider about a lead test. Children on WIC or Medicaid and those living in or regularly spending time in older homes should be tested. Further, children who are newcomers to the United States or those who have a parent with a lead-related hobby or occupation are at greater risk of being exposed. A full list of criteria for children at greater risk can be found at VDH.Virginia.gov/LeadSafe.

“Recognizing the risk is the first step to protecting your child,” Koski said. “We hope that by raising awareness about what to look for, more parents will feel empowered to talk with their child’s doctor about whether their child should be tested for lead.”

How to Reduce Your Risk

Simple ways to reduce the risk of exposure include:

• Regularly cleaning floors and surfaces using wet methods
• Washing children’s hands, toys, and bottles often
• Preventing children from playing in bare soil
• Removing shoes before entering the home
• Preparing nutritious meals high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C
• Using cold tap water for cooking and drinking
• Keeping paint intact and undisturbed

Parents who are concerned about potential lead exposure should talk to their health care provider about testing.

For more information about lead and lead poisoning, visit VDH.Virginia.gov/LeadSafe.

Virginia Department of Health Issues Statewide Standing Order for Pharmacies Regarding 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine 

(RICHMOND, Va.) — On September 10, Virginia State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD, signed a new statewide standing order for pharmacies in Virginia to facilitate accessibility for pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine.   

As authorized by Virginia Code § 54.1-3408 (I), this standing order will allow pharmacists to administer the vaccine to Virginians 65 years of age and older and to Virginians between the ages of 18 and 64 years of age with at least one underlying medical condition without a prescription.  

“We realize this has been top of mind for many Virginians in the past several days,” Dr. Shelton said, “and we are resolved to increase access to the updated formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible Virginians.”  

In Virginia, pharmacists may administer vaccines in two ways: either under the direct authorization of a medical provider or by following the Virginia Board of Pharmacy’s statewide pharmacy protocols. These statewide pharmacy protocols permit pharmacists to administer vaccines in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunization Schedule. Currently, the CDC schedule references the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine formulation, but it does not yet include the 2025–2026 formulation, which is anticipated to better match the strains expected to circulate this season.   

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet on September 18-19, 2025. VDH anticipates that ACIP will vote on the updated COVID-19 vaccines at this meeting.   

The CDC Director, or Secretary of Health and Human Services, is then authorized to endorse or approve the recommendation with or without changes.   

Patients between the ages of 18 and 64 without underlying health conditions, as well as those under 18, are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.   

For Immediate Release: May 23, 2025
Contacts: Office of the Governor: Peter Finocchio, Peter.finocchio@governor.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Health: Marian Hunter, marian.hunter@vdh.virginia.gov

Governor Glenn Youngkin Celebrates EMS Week with Special Event Recognizing the Governor’s EMS Award Recipients

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin has proclaimed May 18–24, 2025, as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in Virginia. To mark the occasion, he hosted a special event at the Virginia Executive Mansion to honor recipients of the 2024 Governor’s EMS Awards. Coordinated by the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH’s) Office of Emergency Medical Services, these awards represent the highest level of recognition in Virginia’s EMS system and celebrate providers, agencies, and community partners who demonstrate excellence in emergency medical care.

This year’s EMS Week theme, “We Care. For Everyone,” reflects the vital role EMS professionals play in delivering skilled, compassionate care—anytime, anywhere, to anyone.

“Virginia’s EMS providers are true heroes—responding with courage, skill, and compassion during life’s most critical moments,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Their service saves lives every day, strengthens our communities, and makes Virginia’s emergency care system among the best in the nation. It was a privilege to honor them during EMS Week.”

“Virginia’s EMS system is one of the strongest in the country because of the professionals and volunteers who show up for their neighbors in times of crisis,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “These award recipients remind us of the extraordinary care happening every day across Virginia—from our smallest towns to our largest cities.”

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the highly skilled and dedicated professionals recognized—and to the countless EMS providers across Virginia who serve with such distinction,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, M.D. “Whether restarting a heart, stopping a bleed, reversing an overdose, or assessing for stroke, these providers make a critical difference every day in saving lives and strengthening our emergency response system.”

Last year, EMS providers responded to 1.74 million calls for help across Virginia—an average of 4,754 incidents per day. Nearly 40,000 certified EMS professionals and more than 500 agencies deliver skilled, compassionate prehospital care statewide.

“It is an honor to celebrate the contributions of these award winners during Virginia’s EMS Week,” said VDH Chief Operating Officer Christopher Lindsay. “They were nominated by their peers for the important work they’ve done on behalf of Virginia’s EMS System. As a longtime volunteer EMS provider in Virginia myself, I have a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for the sacrifices these individuals—and their families—make to provide lifesaving care in their communities.”

During EMS Week, Virginia’s EMS agencies host community activities, open houses, and more. These family-friendly events encourage citizens to meet and get to know their local first responders.

Congratulations to the 2024 Governor’s EMS Award recipients:

• The Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS – J.C. Bolling, Southwest Virginia EMS Council
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in EMS – Christina Rauch, Mary Washington Healthcare  
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS – Jason Edsall, M.D., Grayson County Emergency Services
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS –Cathy C. Fox, R.N., U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency, Naval Medical Center
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Prehospital Educator – Donna Speakes, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Prehospital Provider – Aaron L. Black, York County Fire & Life Safety  
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety – Richmond Ambulance Authority 
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children – Amy Dunn-Brown, Suffolk Fire and Rescue  
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Agency – Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad  
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunication – Taylor J. Clayton, Bedford 911 Communications Center
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Emergency Preparedness and Response – Virginia-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Innovation in EMS – Caroline Juran, Virginia Board of Pharmacy

An additional recognition is presented in conjunction with these awards for the outstanding contributions to EMS by a high school senior. This is a scholarship award provided by the Virginia Office of EMS in collaboration with the State EMS Advisory Board.

• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior – Madison Kelly, Western Albemarle Rescue Squad

To learn more about the VDH’s Office of EMS, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/.

(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is announcing a statewide outbreak of meningococcal disease. Twenty-seven cases of meningococcal disease, caused by the bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis type Y, have been reported in eastern, central, and southwest Virginia since June 2022. This development is three times the expected number of cases during this time period. Most cases are residents of eastern Virginia, where a regional outbreak was first announced in September 2022. The most recent notice to the public was shared in March 2023. Five patients have died from complications associated with this disease. The strain associated with this outbreak is known to be circulating more widely in the United States. Risk to Virginia’s population is low.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious illness. It takes close or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. The bacteria spread from person to person through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (e.g., kissing, coughing or sneezing directly into the face of others, or sharing cups, water bottles, eating utensils, and cigarettes). In general, and while this outbreak continues, VDH recommends:

• Don’t share personal items (e.g., vapes, lipsticks, toothbrushes).
• Practice good hand hygiene.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Do not delay seeking care if you experience symptoms of meningococcal disease.
• Ensure adolescents and teenagers receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) on schedule at 11 or 12 years of age and then a booster dose at 15-16 years of age.
• Speak to your healthcare provider if you are at increased risk for meningococcal disease to ensure you are up to date on the MenACWY vaccine.

This bacterium can be commonly found in the nose and throat of people without causing disease. Rarely, people can develop serious forms of illness, such as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or septicemia (a bloodstream infection). Symptoms can first appear flu-like and may quickly become more severe. Meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important. You should not delay seeking care if you or a loved one experience the following symptoms: fever, chills, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to bright light, and possibly a rash.

VDH has not identified a common risk factor; however, genetic sequencing of available specimens has confirmed that the cases are highly genetically related. Most case-patients are Black or African American adults between 30-60 years of age. Twenty-six case-patients were not vaccinated for Neisseria meningitidis type Y.

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) can provide protection against Neisseria meningitidis type Y. VDH encourages parents and healthcare providers to make sure that children receive all recommended vaccines. Teenagers should receive their first dose of MenACWY vaccine prior to entering 7^th grade, and a booster dose before 12^th grade. If you are a part of a group that is at increased risk for meningococcal disease, including people living with HIV, those whose spleen is damaged or removed, people with sickle cell disease, anyone with a rare immune condition called “complement deficiency” or anyone taking a type of drug called a “complement inhibitor,” you should talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you are up to date on the MenACWY vaccine. Contact your local health department if you have questions about your options for accessing the MenACWY vaccine. For additional help contacting your local health department, call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.

The latest information is available on the VDH meningococcal disease outbreak response website. Data are updated monthly (first Tuesday).

(RICHMOND, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in partnership with ESO, today announced the launch of the first-ever Virginia Stroke Registry. ESO is the leading data and software company serving emergency medical services, fire departments, hospitals, state and federal agencies.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, and stroke-related death rates have risen in recent years. This new Registry will allow stroke centers across Virginia to securely submit stroke data to one central location. The data will be used to identify evidence-based trends and patterns to help stroke patients transition with intent and proper treatment through the entire spectrum of care – from the 911 call to the hospital to rehabilitation to post-acute care. All hospitals and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies in the Commonwealth will be able to participate.

“As we observe National Stroke Awareness Month in May, we are also recognizing this milestone in the evolution of health care in the Commonwealth,” said State Health Commissioner Colin M. Greene, MD, MPH. “The ability to collect and share stroke data and collaborate with other organizations across the Commonwealth is a major step forward in our ability to improve the care and well-being of all the people of Virginia.”

“Hospitals, EMS agencies and VDH will collaborate through the Virginia Stroke Registry’s Health Data Exchange to better track, assess and improve the quality of care for acute stroke patients across the Commonwealth,” said Stroke Registry Coordinator of the Division of Prevention and Health Promotion Kathryn Funk, AGACNP-BC, MSN, SCRN, CNRN. “The Virginia Stroke Registry will provide the Commonwealth a greater picture of Virginia’s Stroke burden, highlight our successes in stroke care, and allow the VDH to assist hospitals towards better allocation of resources to raise stroke awareness and improve patient outcomes for all Virginians.”

Key Benefits of the Virginia Stroke Registry Include: 

• Data: Collection of stroke data using a nationally-recognized data set from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program.
• Collaboration: Partnership across the Commonwealth to identify key trends to improve stroke patient care and response.
• Evidence-based Decision-making: Keen, data-driven insights to make informed decisions and drive quality improvement across all stages of the continuum of stroke care.
• Research: Ability to produce and deliver research papers and studies based on aggregate data, state-wide data.

“We’re proud to partner with Virginia on this initiative,” said Dr. Brent Myers, Chief Medical Officer for ESO. “This innovative registry will serve as a best practice for collecting and analyzing critical healthcare data that can have a profound impact on the treatment and care of stroke patients.”

The Virginia Stroke Registry project rollout and training began on May 10. For more information, visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/stroke.